When conferring with a writer, our big aim is to engage in a meaningful conversation with the student about his or her writing.  An individual writing conference is likely the single most effective way for a teacher to help move a writer forward. But many times, even with our best intentions and attempts at "training" students how to converse during a conference, the student will sometimes say something curt, like, "Good."  Or, "It's fine."  Silence.  That's it.  That's all they have to say. What to do?  Fear not!  Conferring Carl suggests six strategies to help teachers address this situation...