2012

Venturing forth on another expedition to Teachers College to further explore Readers Workshop.

2011

Back in the saddle again for Round 3. K and I are ready to add some shine to our Writers Workshop strategies this summer. Until we jump on the bandwagon Monday morning we are taking note of the metropolitan environs... and then some.

2010


After jumping in with both feet, teaching Readers and Writers Workshop in our classrooms for a year, K and I are back at Teachers College for Act II. We are attending Readers Workshop and will be filling the bill with more strategy focused morning and afternoon sessions. Until Monday, when the training gets underway, we are obligated to paint the town red, (or "read", as the case may be).

Monday, June 27, 2011

Moving in with the Heavy Hitters


K and I rolled up our sleeves and prepared to bolster our grey matter at Day 1 of Writers Workshop at Teachers College!

Lucy Calkins, legendary founder of the Teachers College Writers and Readers Project did the inspirational kickoff keynote speech. 1,200 participants this week from 30 countries and 42 states.
Lucy's Gifts and Gems (paraphrased):
-Teach in a way to watch learners progress, (or lack there of), as an indicator of feedback about our teaching.
-Talking with colleagues to grow ideas is a part of the cycle of change -- students need to do that as well.
-Read students writing [aloud] like it is GOLD.

K and I were on cloud 9 to be in sections with Carl Anderson, guru of writers workshops conferencing with students. It's a little mind blowing to be sitting 6 feet from him. AND he is just as good in person as he is in his books!
Today's focus:
-Using strategic conferencing with students to focus on long term goals, (based on assessment of student work)
-Recognizing patterns in student writing
-Narrowing and refining focus in writing pieces

In the afternoon I'm back with my secret-crush-instructor from two years ago, Dahlia Dallal. I was excited to see her work her magic again!
Today's focus:
-Writing strong nonfiction teaching points that include a skill, strategy, and purpose
-Writing an information book
-Nonfiction unit goals


In the evening we continued our search for actual coffee at Cafe Con Leche.
Apparently it is still AWOL


While in our academic mode we decided to brush up on our Italian at Grom Gelato.


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1 comment:

  1. masJune 28, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    It isn't a SECRET crush if you tell everyone SILLY! The simple idea of reading students' writing aloud as if it were GOLD is profoundly moving. What a blessing to work with such heavy hitters, not to mention cocktails and gelato with obviously sweet parents. It sure looks and sounds like a super rewarding experience.
    love, mas

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