ABOUT
Hi! I'm Natalie
Some of your students write full paragraphs. Some are still working on one sentence. And they all need to write today.
I know that feeling well. I spent 33 years in education, and teaching writing was my favourite part of the job.
Teaching With a Touch of Honey is where I share the writing resources I wish I'd always had. They are differentiated, ready to use, and made for real Grade 1 to 3 classrooms.
33 years
in education
Grades 1 to 5
classroom teacher
Special Ed
& learning assistance
Vice Principal
& curriculum consultant
My Years in Education
I taught Grades 1 to 5. I also worked in special education and learning assistance, served as vice principal, and led curriculum and differentiated-instruction work.
In every role, my goal stayed the same. I wanted every child to see themselves as a writer.
Over the years, I made many of my own writing activities. Organizers to help students sort their ideas. Word banks to build vocabulary. Templates that let each child start where they were ready.
Those activities are the heart of what you'll find here.
Why "A Touch of Honey"?
My mornings start with a couple of cups of tea with honey. For years, a mug of tea with honey sat on my classroom desk, too.
When it came time to name my business, the choice was easy. Teaching writing works best with a little sweetness: patience, encouragement, and plenty of support.
What I Believe About Teaching Writing
1
Writing needs daily practice.
Writers grow a little more every time they write.
2
Children grow at their pace.
Some start slower, and that start still counts too.
3
Expectations fit each student.
One assignment can look different for each writer.
4
Support meets every learner.
Some need a starter. Others need a new challenge.
5
Confidence comes before skills.
A confident child keeps trying when writing is hard.
What You'll Find Here
Differentiated
Most come in levels, so every student can take part in the same lesson.
Printable and digital
Many come in both, including Google Slides and Easel versions.
Ready to use
Most come in levels, so every student can take part in the same lesson.
Assessment friendly
Rubrics and checklists are included where you need them, so marking takes less time.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Pick the option that fits you best.
Have a question? Email me at natalie@teachingwithatouchofhoney.com. I'd love to hear from you.
Happy teaching!
Natalie
Life Today
I'm now retired from the classroom and living in Nova Scotia, near the ocean. I moved here from Saskatchewan.
I stepped away from creating resources for a while. But the writing ideas kept coming. So I came back to share them with you.