Six-Trait Writing: A Framework for Writing Success
(Grades K-8) (Half or Full Day)
Focus on the “Six-traits” found in successful
student writing. They are: Idea, Organization, Voice, Word
Choice, Fluency, and Conventions. Using this acclaimed instructional
framework first developed by the Northwest Regional Education
Laboratory, attendees will learn about and be able to:
• Focus on one trait at a time for
improved writing performance
• Use assessment tools that result
in greater student understanding and revision
• Explore a variety of literature-based
mini-lessons to teach and reinforce the traits
• Share a clear and common language
with students and colleagues
I also offer advanced full-day courses in Six-Traits,
or workshops specific to grade levels.
Advanced Six-Trait Mini-Lessons (75 minutes)
Take your Six-Trait writing instruction to new
heights! In this exciting session, you’ll learn oodles of
new mini-lessons to help students identify and apply the six
traits. You’ll leave with a renewed excitement about your
writing program – and a level of energy your students will
find contagious.
Six-Trait Writing with Picture Books! (75 minutes)
Take advantage of the perfect literary example
to demonstrate voice or word choice in writing. Discover outstanding
picture books you can use to illustrate each of the six traits.
Plus, you’ll gain a variety of mini-lessons to help your students
apply each trait to his or her own writing.
What Makes a Good Story? Mini-lessons on the
Elements of Fiction (75 minutes)
Recognizing story patterns helps students to
improve reading comprehension and develop writing techniques
that lead readers to say, "Wow! That is a great story!"
Jennifer will demonstrate mini-lessons that provide students
with a genuine understanding of setting, plot, and characterization.
After this session, you will never look at children's literature
in quite the same way again.
The Successful Writer's Workshop (Half or Full
day)
How do you honor children's creativity and teach
essential writing skills simultaneously? Come learn how to
implement the components of a writer's workshop that will
balance direct instruction with playful exploration. Your
students will not only produce superlative writing - they
will read more analytically as well.
Successful Writing Conferences (75 minutes)
In theory writing conferences are the ideal
method for providing feedback. In practice, they
can be overwhelming. Learn how to provide students with
specific praise, guide revision, and teach new skills -- all
within a limited (but highly effective) use of time.
You'll gain techniques to meet the needs of all
your students with individualized, motivational, successful
instruction.
Making the Leap from Easy Readers to Chapter
Books (75 minutes)
For some students, making the transition from
beginning readers to chapter books is a big leap. Focusing
on specific obstacles growing readers encounter, Jennifer
will demonstrate engaging, interactive lessons to provide
students with the skills and support they need. If you've
ever heard, "I don't get what's happening," this
workshop is for you.
What's New and Exciting in Children's Literature?
(75 minutes)
Come learn about outstanding children's literature
that has been published in the last three years. Discover
some of the exciting changes that have been happening in the
field: chapter books with increased illustration; engaging
stories written in verse; nonfiction that will liven your
teaching and support your instructional content.
Working with Advanced Readers and Writers (75
minutes)
How do you differentiate instruction to meet
the needs of your most talented readers and writers? Challenge
students with lessons that explore literary elements and advanced
writing techniques. Introduce strategies to help them tackle
increasingly difficult text. You will be amazed by the growth
in their reading comprehension as well as the quality of their
writing.
Teaching And Learning With Graphic Organizers
(75 minutes)
Graphic organizers are invaluable teaching tools
that help students process information and develop learning
strategies. Organizers can be used for curriculum development,
deeper understanding of content, and assessment. Come discover
an array of new graphic organizers and teaching methods to
enhance learning in all curriculum areas.
Ages and Stages - What to Expect and How to
Work with Students' Growth and Learning Patterns (75 minutes)
Why can't my first graders sit upright at morning
meeting? Why won't my fourth graders take risks? In order
to provide successful school experiences, teachers need to
understand the unique ways in which children respond to the
world at each age. This workshop will present developmental
characteristics of children in grades K-6, and provide tips
and activities for optimum teaching at each level.
How to Help Parents to Help Their Children
Succeed In School (75 minutes)
Parents want to support their children's education,
but it is difficult to know how. Some parents are afraid of
interfering - of showing their child methods or giving advice
that conflicts with your approach. Others feel that they do
not have the proper knowledge or skill to help their child
at home. And in truth, some parents have been taught by ineffective
methods that actually hinder learning rather than promoting
it.
In this session, I will provide ways for you
to develop a true partnership with your classroom parents.
I will demonstrate:
- Homework assignments or home-based projects
that parents will thank you for!
- Practices to enrich your Open House presentation
and help you and parents get he most out of parent-teacher
conferences.
- Methods to bust long-held myths that seemingly
promote learning, but actually block it.
- Parent-teacher communication methods that
are guaranteed to build genuine support for your educational
program.
An author residency can be tremendously rewarding
for both students and teachers. These are customized to fit
a school's particular needs. In some instances, I work as
a writing colleague with several classrooms for a full week.
I teach daily mini-lessons and then the students and I write
together. By week's end we've all learned exciting things
about writing and produced work we can genuinely be proud
of.
Other residencies combine staff development
with modeling in the classroom. One highly successful model
begins with a full day of training in Six Trait Writing and/or
Writer's Workshop. This day is followed by days of modeling
lessons and student conferences in the classroom. Debriefing
sessions for staff end each day. The final day of the residency
often includes another inservice allowing teachers to process,
raise questions, and build upon the teaching we've shared.
So, You've Always Wanted to Write for Children
A former teacher and assistant children's librarian,
I will describe my own path to becoming a children's author
and how you can do it, too. This workshop is one part inspiration,
two parts useful information. A question and answer session
follows. (1 - 2 hours)
What's New and Exciting in Children's Literature?
Come learn about outstanding children's literature
that has been published in the last three years. Discover
some of the exciting changes that have been happening in the
field: chapter books with increased illustration; engaging
stories written in verse; nonfiction that will liven your
teaching and support your instructional content.
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