Sometimes in a busy and chaotic schedule, we inadvertently miss attending to some of our students who like to "fly under the radar." Being systematic and intentionally positive can make a big difference for some of our writers.
Category: conferences
Conferring with “If… Then… Then… Then…” in Mind
We can all be a little more like my daughter's swim teacher, Coach Annie, and a little less like the camp counselors of my childhood. Here's how.
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Conferring Tip: Listening Closely
A wise person once told me, conferring is the heart of the writing workshop. And much has been written about how to go about conferring effectively. Guides and professional books abound, videos, websites (this one included), and there's even an app or two out there complete with drop-down menus and spreadsheets. But all of the… Continue reading Conferring Tip: Listening Closely
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Snapshots From the NYSEC Conference
My time at the New York State English Council (NYSEC) Conference through snapshots!
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Classroom Takeaways from #NJSCBWI16
Sharing some highlights from the New Jersey Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Annual Conference, which took place this past weekend.
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Writing Workshop Feels Better with Less
Our workshop was feeling forced, unnatural, and just rushed! We struggled to fit it all in and share time (the most valued time) was cut short with only 1 or 2 writers sharing each day. Something had to give. Writers weren't growing, I wasn't conferring, and it just didn't feel calm and productive. I reflected on our workshop, the work of the writers, and the choices I was making, but I couldn't figure out what was making me feel so unsettled.
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From Telling Stories to Writing Stories- It’s all in respecting the process
I pause to listen to these stories (as best as I can in classroom of 27 six-year-olds, each with a story to share). After they’ve shared their story I comment, “I can’t wait to read that story!” or “Wow, you already have an idea for writing workshop!” Some walk away shaking their heads, eager to write their story, others look at me puzzled as if they aren’t sure why I would say this when they just told me the story. (I often wonder if they’re thinking, “Weren’t you listening?”).
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Conferring with Young Writers
A peek into a coaching cycle centered on writing conferences with first graders.
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Helping Silent Kids Talk in a Conference
Last week, I had a little brainstorming session with one of my favorite groups of teachers and we came up with a list of tried-and-true teaching moves to help the truly non-talking kids open up a little when it comes time to talk about the work they've been doing.
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A Compliment Conference
In my day-to-day teaching I often get swept up in trying to load students up with next step after next step... after next step. Sometimes, what might benefit some students most, however, is clear explicit feedback on what they are already doing well. There's certainly an art to giving clear feedback, especially when it comes to… Continue reading A Compliment Conference
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Aim Higher: Conferring and Student Goals
So, you've studied your students' writing, analyzing their work for strengths and next steps. Maybe you took home a giant stack of writers notebooks, or a huge pile of on-demand writing assessments, or maybe you've just finished reading their published pieces. Now what?
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Conferring Roles
What is the teacher's role in a conference? What is the student's role?
