Start Strong to Build Better Writers

Presented by Kristina Smekens, President, Lead Consultant, Smekens Education
Moderated by Kristi McCullough, Literacy Consultant, Smekens Education

Sponsored by Smekens Education

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Many teachers confess that they are unsure how to kick-start their writing curriculum. How soon should I start teaching writing? What are key lessons to establish writer expectations? How much writing should students do at the beginning of the year?

Regardless of the writing model you use or the grade level you work with, this timely edWebinar provides the methods and motivation to build better writers by starting the new school year strong. In this strategy-rich session, author and literacy consultant Kristina Smekens shares practical, classroom-tested ideas for leading powerful writing instruction during the first four to six weeks of school. Viewers:

• Learn how to make time for writing within an already-jam-packed schedule
• Gain clarity on the four types of writing lessons that should kick off any new school year
• Receive a list of 20 lesson ideas that establish the foundation of any future writing instruction
• Learn management strategies to promote writer independence and stamina

This recorded edWebinar is of interest to K-12 writing teachers and school and district leaders.

About the Presenter

Kristina Smekens has built a reputation for using enthusiasm, humor, and common sense to equip K-12 educators with practical, demystifying strategies for teaching reading and writing. As President and Lead Consultant for Smekens Education, she is a leader in developing new strategies to help teachers meet the demands of today’s College- and Career-Ready Standards. She and her associates share those strategies with teachers around the globe through on-site professional development, virtual and in-person seminars, and an always-growing pool of print, digital, and video resources. Kristina has authored more than 50 books, guides, and classroom tools designed to help teachers implement best-practice literacy strategies. The Comprehension Playbook; Launching the Writer’s Workshop: Grades K-2; and Launching the Writer’s Workshop: Grades 3-12 are among the most popular titles.

About the Moderator

Teachers love the authentic, “from-the-trenches” insight that Kristi McCullough offers during her professional development sessions with K-5 teachers. Her own experience as a reading and writing teacher and literacy coach provides the perfect backdrop for Kristi to share practical ways to deliver research-based best practices. In her 13th year as a full-time literacy consultant with Smekens Education, Kristi has worked with thousands of teachers across the United States delivering regional seminars and customized on-site school trainings. She is the author of the 6-Week Planning Guide for Launching the 90-Minute Reading Block, a popular resource for K-5 teachers.

Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

Join the ELA Today community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.

Smekens Education helps K-12 schools improve achievement in reading and writing by providing educators with practical and engaging professional learning. The team at Smekens specializes in inspiring teachers with simple, best-practice literacy strategies that can be implemented right away. Schools around the globe rely on Smekens to provide powerful PD, whether it occurs in-person, virtually, or on-demand.