Workshop with Kelly Gallagher, June 14

Save the date!  On June 14, 2013, IWP is sponsoring a day-long workshop by Kelly Gallagher on "Building Deeper Readers and Writers in the Age of the Common Core Standards."

Kelly Gallagher has an extensive background in literacy education.  A high school teacher with over 20 years teaching experience, he currently teaches at Magnolia High School in Anaheim, California.  His books for Stenhouse Publishers include Deeper Reading, Teaching Adolescent Writers, Write Like This, and Readicide.

Registration information will be available by January 15, 2013.  Keep updated by checking iwp.iweb.bsu.edu/kelly.

In this podcast, Kelly talks about using real world texts in the classroom.

Smekens: Light Snack or the Real Meal Deal

Smekens!  This name evokes an array of emotions in educators.  Words like "gimmicky," "lacking meat," and "quick fix" are tossed about.  I personally have a different perspective.  Kristina Smekens is part of my journey as a literacy educator.  She introduced me to the six traits and craft in writing, how to organize and manage a writing workshop, as well as how to begin.  When I left that first workshop, "Introducing the Six Traits," I returned to my classroom armed with lesson plans, courage, and confidence.  Confidence...the X factor that spurs us on to reach new heights!

This newfound confidence led me to the Indiana Writing Project.  In Summer Institute I learned that the 6 traits is an assessment, not a process.  I learned to stand on the shoulders of the great ones in the field of literacy, and I learned that I was, indeed, a writer.  No doubt, this experience was a life-changing part of my literacy journey.  I was empowered by being a student in a writing workshop, sharing the power of teachers teaching teachers, and believing that I too am a writer.  The confusion, the questioning, the research and reflection my mind muddled with definitely strengthened my understanding and ability to implement writing workshop in my own classroom.  But my journey did not end there.

This July, I attended a two-day literacy conference led by one of Kristina Smekens's mentees, Kristi McCullough.  Was it gimmicky?  Only if having a visual for each reading strategy is a "trick." Was it lacking meat?  Only from the standpoint that the two-day workshop covered research, organization, management, and implementation in 12 hours!  Was it a quick fix?  If feeling like I have a starting point for taking the information back to my own classroom and implementing it from day one, then maybe.  To be regenerated with courage and confidence to face the new year...priceless!

Each of us is on a journey to become a better educator.  Trends come and go, but a teacher's search for the best ways to instruct is constant.  Our journeys are different.  Some include people like Smekens and even Shurley!  Growth meets each of us where we are at any given moment.  The growth is the important thing about the journey.  We must respect each other's journey.

Submitted by Kathy Flatter, TC ‘07

Youth Writing Camp starts Sept. 15

Fall semester sessions of Writing Camp for students in grades 3-6 begin Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. Help us spread the word.  Registration form.  More information.

Craft in Kindergarten: An Example Mini-lesson

The Vimeo clip "Modeled Writing - Primary" does an excellent job highlighting the mini-lesson portion of Writing Workshop while illustrating the concepts of author study and craft as well. 

Jennifer Wisner, a teacher from Salem-Keizer Public Schools in Oregon, is using Eric Carle's books as the basis of an author study in her kindergarten class.  She and her students have read several of the author's works and are now creating a chart of the craft they have recognized in some of Carle's popular children's books, including The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  To end the mini-lesson and begin independent writing time, the teacher invites the young writers to try to use some of Carle's craft ideas in their own writing. 

When viewing this example mini-lesson on author study and craft, you can see it would be great for kindergarten or first grade students; additionally, the mini-lesson's overall structure, high level of student engagement, and use of mentor texts and author study are adaptable and appropriate for writers of any grade level.  Consider how mini-lessons and age-appropriate author studies can be used to explore craft and inspire the writers in your classroom.

Submitted by Shirley Thacker, TC '07

At Wes-Del Elementary, "Writing is..."

 
Here are beautifully reflective descriptions and analogies on what writing means to the campers, assistants, and facilitators of the summer 2012 Comp Camp at Wes-Del Elementary, which was led by TC Shirley Thacker ('07).  

"Writing is as fun as swimming." - Bray W. 

 

 "Writing is like a heart. . . both are beautiful." - Jaci K. 

"Writing is like the color to my artwork." - Brylee K.  

"Writing is. . . as fun as candy, but still being healthy." - Allen S. 

"Writing . . . like throwing a baseball. It's sometimes easy, 

and you always have a target." - AJ  N.
   

"Writing is wonderful . . . like sunshine." - Kylie A. 

  "Writing . . . like a fuzzy, furry rabbit. I like them both." - Alexandra R. 

 

"Writing is as fun as reading." - Chantel S.

 

"Writing is like being on an island resort. . . fun, fancy, and enjoyable." - Breanna C.

 "Writing is as fun as going on vacation." - Taylor B.

 

"Writing is like a quilt. . . it takes a long time to make." - Allie B.

 "Writing is like pizza. . . I love them both." - Gracie B.

 

"Writing is like making a hamburger. . . each step is like 

adding one of the toppings." - Jared D. 

"Writing feels as good as sinking a basketball in the hoop." - Joel D.

 "Writing is like being in a swimming pool. I love them both." - Lauren K.

 "Writing is like a seed . . . it sprouts and grows 

until it becomes something new." - Lauryn J.

"Writing is like dancing.  It's fun and I love doing it." - Mady J.

 "Writing is like opening presents at Christmas." - Natalie R.

"Writing is as fun as dance." - Paige T.

 "Writing is a precious gem beneath the earth.  You must search for it, dig it up, 

cut it, and polish it before it's complete." - Mr. Waylon Shaffer, student teacher

"Writing is a refuge when I'm weary. A quiet place to escape 

from all the outside noise." - Mrs. Monica Denney, 4th Grade Teacher

 "Writing is food for my soul, energy for my run-down battery." 

 - Mrs. Shirley Thacker, NBCT 

Submitted by Shirley Thacker, TC '07

Upcoming IWP Event: Shop Talk on July 23rd

IWP's Shop Talk is a monthly, informal meeting group that allows TC's to reconnect with each other while discussing current ideas and issues in literacy education and our classrooms.

This month's Shop Talk will be Monday, July 23rd, at 6 p.m., at Panera on McGalliard Road in Muncie.  Invite a friend or colleague to attend with you!

A Unit in Progress

It’s a curse all teachers share…

Listen to Donalyn Miller’s recommendations at All-Write.

Write down title: The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

Get home and order from Amazon.

Did I ever see the entire Star Wars movie?

Something about a bar scene? No, that was a sequel…

Can’t wait to read book…

Enjoy it …

(Yes, Donalyn, it’s below my lexile level…)

Think of Dwights I know…

And Harveys… and Tommys…

Ponder re-inventing myself, like Dwight and Yoda…

Remember adolescent psychology class…

Think about abnormal psychology…

Recall my Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde unit that flopped…

Use Origami Yoda to introduce themes in Dr. Jeckyl?

Maybe characters?

How could I appeal to multiple intelligences, interests?

Isn’t there a superhero with two personalities? Underdog?

Ask my kid...

“Two-Face from Batman...” 

Think about politicians…

Ahhh….recognize expository text opportunity…

(Remember, Common Core…)

Wonder how long that will last…

Think about psychics and the Oracle of Apollo…

(More expository text…)

Origami Yoda knows the future… or does he?

Would you want to know the future?

What if you didn’t know the past?

More kid input.

Add to list: Shutter Island…

Graphic novel… movie… novel…

Quintessential American Novel: The Great Gatsby…

American Lit class…

High ability kids…

Is Dwight high ability? Is Yoda?

Who is Yoda again?

Need more background information…

Check out Netflix…

Hmm….

And how can I use this?

Submitted by Barbara Swander Miller, TC '09

What are you doing this summer?

ADVANCED INSTITUTE, JULY 9-13
Like Summer Institute, AI provides the time to do the reading, talking, and writing that leads to professional growth.  During AI, morning reading groups will discuss one of the professional texts listed below.  In the afternoon, we will write, respond in writing groups, and revise.  Join facilitators Jenny Smithson, Betsy Duckworth, and Joy Dewing for a week of summer renewal!

CHOOSE A BOOK
Choose one of the following books when you register:
1) Appleman, Deborah & Michael Graves. Reading Better, Reading Smarter: Designing Literature Lessons for Adolescents. Grades 6-12.  2) Taberski, Sharon. Comprehension from the Ground Up: Simplified, Sensible Instruction for the K-3 Reading Workshop. Grades K-3.  3) Vopat, Jim. Writing Circles: Kids Revolutionize Workshop. Grades 4-12.

WHO:
All Teacher Consultants are invited.

WHERE:
Ball State University campus.

WHEN:
July 9-13, 2012
9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

WHY:
Professional growth and renewal. (Earn 25 PGPs!) Community.  Fun.

HOW MUCH?
$75.00

REGISTER ONLINE
http://iwp.iweb.bsu.edu/consultants/ai.htm

Summer Writing Camps

YOUTH WRITING CAMPS, JUNE 18-29, 2012

This summer the Indiana Writing Project is offering Youth Writing Camps (“Comp Camp”) for elementary and secondary students. Both camps are for two weeks, June 18 – 29.

Camp for Elementary Students Youth Writing Camp for elementary students (who will be entering grades 3-6 this fall) will take place Monday – Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., June 18 - 29. All classes take place at Ball State University, in Room 284 of the Robert Bell building.

Camp for Secondary Students Youth Writing Camp for secondary students (who will be entering grades 7-12 in the fall) will take place Monday – Friday, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., June 18 - 29. All classes take place at Ball State University, in Room 284 of the Robert Bell building.

Tuition Writing Camp Workshop: $100.00 (fee includes tuition, workshop materials, snacks, a certificate & souvenir and a published anthology)

Registration 
Download a registration form and mail it in with payment to secure a spot for the next camp session. Each camp is limited to the first 20 students to register and pay the camp fee! 
http://iwp.iweb.bsu.edu/camps/compcamp.htm

About Comp Camp
At Comp Camp, students: 
- improve their writing skills, 
- meet new friends, 
- become published authors, and 
- celebrate their accomplishments with friends and family!

Students learn from experienced and effective classroom teachers and have access to computers at Ball State University. They participate in a creative workshop experience writing stories, poems, and essays taking a close look at the power of word choice, voice, organization, sentence fluency, organization, and presentation. Students develop their writing skills as they spend time immersed in the writing process and receive personalized feedback through participation in peer response groups, teacher conferences and author's chair.

Upcoming Event: IWP "Shop Talk"

Who:  IWP Teacher Consultants and others interested in learning more about IWP and our work

What:  "Shop Talk"  (IWP's new informal discussion group)

         Topic:  Professional Learning Networks/Communities

Where:  Puerto Vallarta on Tillotson in Muncie 

 When:  Thursday, March 8, 6 p.m. -? (As long as the discussion moves and people are around--TC's can come and go as they need)

Contact:  Jeri Tarvin (jeri.tarvin@libertyonline.org; 765-635-5656)

The Effects of Writing Workshop on Our Colleagues

Writing workshop, Composition Camps, and the work of the Indiana Writing Project are not just transformative and empowering for the young writers we teach. Below is a reflection from seasoned classroom teacher Mr. Michael Evans who was energized and inspired by time spent in his school's Comp Camp.

        I have always enjoyed writing: other people’s writing.  From the time I first learned the alphabet and how letters were used to form words that I could read, writing was important to me.  From reading the Sunday funnies and comic books, to writing stories using weekly vocabulary words and participating in spelling bees, I have appreciated how others, real authors, could fit letters together to form wonderful, meaningful, motivating words.  I always wished that I could do it myself.  Yeah, I had written some kid stuff to entertain my friends, but nothing I thought was any good.  I certainly didn’t think of writing as a valid cross-curricular tool that could help my own students learn about engineering and technology.

When IWP Teacher Consultants Barb Miller and Stacey Chester suggested that I might like to attend the Cowan Composition Camp, my first thought was “oh, no.” But I had already used up all my excuses when attendance had been previously suggested and there was no alternative this time but to shrug my shoulders, dust off my pencil, and go.  I’m glad I did!  Not only did I discover a new way to use the writing I was already doing in class to benefit language arts, but I also found ways to benefit my students and my content.  I actually broke through a barrier that I didn’t know existed as cleanly as a new chick breaks through its shell.  I thought English classes were taught the same way as they were when I was in class back in 1959 - 1964.  Was I wrong!  Along the way I met some very talented and deep thinking students. Listening to their sharings of concerns and imaginations was one of the best parts of my experience.

Michael H. Evans

Technology Teacher

Cowan Jr/Sr High School

 

Writing to the Prompt: Preparing Your Students for I-STEP, Jan. 21

Teaching students to be effective writers demands that we help them navigate the requirements of standardized test-taking. But we teachers do not always feel as if we know what advice and guidance to give our students. What can we do to help them feel confident that they have something to write about as they face that ISTEP+ prompt? How can we help them turn out a polished piece of writing within the fifty-minute time limit?

Join Susan Darling, veteran teacher and IWP workshop facilitator, to learn more about how student responses are scored using the Indiana's ELA Rubric, to practice scoring along with your colleagues, and to examine the problem of writing for an unknown reader/grader. These same concepts and activities are also easily adapted for the high school ECA and for SAT preparation.

Spend three hours with Susan in order to take home an especially timely unit on Writing to a Prompt that you can use over the next few weeks to prepare your students to shine on the writing portion of the 2011 ISTEP+ test that begins on February 28. In fact, invite a colleague who can implement this unit right along with you.

Writing to the Prompt: Preparing Your Students for I-STEP
January 21, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

More info: iwp.iweb.bsu.edu/profdev/saturday.htm