![[Hubspot] Writing Together: How to Build, Share, and Sustain Student Writing in Grades 3-5](https://teach.noredink.com/hubfs/%5BHubspot%5D%20Student%20Agency%20in%20Age%20of%20AI%20(1).png "[Hubspot] Writing Together: How to Build, Share, and Sustain Student Writing in Grades 3-5")
Writing Together: How to Build, Share, and Sustain Student Writing in Grades 3-5
In the upper elementary grades, writing instruction shifts dramatically.
Students move from the imaginative, playful storytelling of the early grades toward more structured, high-stakes forms of writing, while teachers face increasing pressure to focus on discrete skills, writing formulas, and test preparation. In the process, something essential can be lost: the sense that writing is social, collaborative, and meant to be shared.
So, how can upper elementary classrooms build and sustain essential skills and meaningful writing identities?
What if we intentionally designed environments where young writers create together, respond to one another, and see themselves as part of a shared writing community?
Join Dr. Jimmy McLean for a webinar exploring how educators in grades 3–5 can foster collaborative, student-centered writing communities. Grounded in research and real classroom experience, this session highlights how writing thrives when it is treated as a social act—one that supports identity, belonging, and long-term engagement during a critical developmental period.
This webinar includes both research-based insights and real teacher perspectives. In just one hour, we will:
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Explore how to structure writing time in the classroom to increase collaboration, feedback, and shared authorship
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Learn ways to share writing so students see themselves as authors with real audiences and purposes
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Understand how to sustain engagement, motivation, and joy in the writing process without losing sight of academic rigor
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Examine the role of play, creativity, and identity in upper elementary writing development
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Gain practical strategies from real classroom teachers for balancing curriculum expectations with meaningful writing experiences
Participants will leave with research-informed ideas and practical strategies to support vibrant, connected communities of young writers.
NOTE: This webinar is pre-recorded and available on demand. When you register, you’ll receive access to the recording via email on April 14, so you can watch at your convenience.
Register to Receive the Recording
Our Hosts
.png?width=200&height=200&name=Untitled%20design%20(29).png "A headshot for host Dr. Jimmy McLean")
Dr. Paige Whitlock
Paige Whitlock works across NoRedInk teams to champion the needs of students, teachers, and administrators and ensure the product reflects the real challenges and opportunities of today’s classrooms. With experience teaching middle and high school ELA in seven states and serving as an ELA leader at both the school and district levels, Paige brings a deep, lived understanding of what it takes to teach literacy skills to diverse secondary learners.
Her passion for literacy and commitment to equitable instruction led her to pursue advanced research in disciplinary literacy at Virginia Tech, where her work earned the 2021 Dissertation Award. Paige draws on this blend of classroom experience, leadership perspective, and research expertise to help districts strengthen writing instruction and to guide NoRedInk’s efforts to build tools that genuinely support educators and the students they serve.
Dr. Jimmy McLean
Jimmy McLean works with teachers and district leaders across Texas to ensure that NoRedInk’s curriculum, tools, and partnerships reflect the real complexities of today’s classrooms. As a Professional Learning Specialist, he designs and facilitates pedagogy-focused training for educators and coaches, translates education research into classroom practice, and collaborates with NoRedInk teams to strengthen how students and teachers experience and use the platform. Drawing on his background as an upper-elementary ELA educator and instructional leader, Jimmy brings a deep, practice-based understanding of how literacy pedagogy must balance skill development, critical thinking, and identity development.
Jimmy’s commitment to equitable and humanizing literacy instruction led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin. His research explores how adult mentors and young writers navigate identity, belonging, and decision-making. Jimmy draws on this blend of classroom experience, instructional leadership, and research to support educators in building responsive writing practices and to help schools and organizations create more just, engaging, and intellectually vibrant learning environments.
Our Teacher Panelists
Rachelle Higgins
Rachelle Higgins is a dedicated 4th-grade educator with 17 years of experience. Rachelle holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Old Dominion University. Throughout her career spanning grades 1–4, she has developed a deep expertise in ELAR, driven by a heartfelt passion for helping students discover their own love for reading and writing. Rachelle’s biggest goal is to turn every student into a lifelong book lover and a confident writer. She believes that every child has a unique voice, and she strives to create a classroom where literacy becomes a lifelong adventure.
Aziza Basha
Aziza Basha is a 5th grade Reading Language Arts teacher in Mesquite ISD with experience teaching grades 3–5. Aziza aims to foster a community of confident speakers and writers because she believes one of the greatest powers we have is our ability to express our thoughts and ideas. She is passionate about helping students build confidence through writing and speaking while creating a classroom where all feel seen, valued, and supported. Aziza intentionally integrates NoRedInk to provide personalized, engaging practice that strengthens students’ grammar and writing skills. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in literacy leadership, and she is excited to share her experiences and learn alongside other educators.