In this season five premiere, Stacey Shubitz and Melanie Meehan discuss the key issues affecting writing instruction at the moment. They examine the current debate over technology in the classroom, weighing the benefits and challenges of using digital tools for young writers. The conversation covers the neurological and educational value of handwriting, the increasing influence of AI and automation on student writing, and the significant role of oral language development. The hosts also explore how teachers can balance assignments with student choice to promote agency and genuine engagement in writing. Listeners can expect thought-provoking dialogue, useful insights, and a preview of upcoming conversations with expert guests.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• “Balancing Choice and Assignments in Writing Instruction: Finding Common Ground” by Stacey Shubitz
• “Connecting Caregivers: The Importance of Oral Language“ by Melanie Meehan
• Cultivating the Reader and Writer: Teaching Literacy as an Integrated Science by Young-Suk Grace Kim
• Finding Common Ground Blog Series (August 2026) by the Co-Authors of TWTBlog
• Foundational Skills for Writing: A Brain-Based Guide to Strengthen Executive Functions, Language, and Other Cornerstones for Writers by Melanie Meehan and Maggie Beattie Roberts
• More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI by John Warner
• Writing Workshop in Contentious Times: A Digging Deeper Dialogue with Stacey Shubitz and Melanie Meehan

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• Melanie Meehan: meehanmelanie@gmail.com
• Stacey Shubitz: stacey@staceyshubitz.com

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.