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Develop Effective Writing Units: 4 Factors to Powerful Planning
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT
Presented by Kristina Smekens, President and Lead Consultant, Smekens Education Solutions
Moderated by Didi Harris, Literacy Consultant, Smekens Education Solutions
Sponsored by Smekens Education Solutions
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Teaching writing units can be a daunting and often frustrating experience. Teachers carefully plan objectives and assessments, but the journey to the final product can feel like an uphill battle. Students, while understanding the concepts and expectations, may struggle to demonstrate the skills and to complete assignments independently.
This edWebinar will tackle the common challenges faced by both teachers and students and explore how four instructional shifts can make a significant difference in planning and executing effective writing units. Discover ways to:
- Streamline unit planning to introduce new writing skills at a manageable pace
- Design daily writing tasks that allow students to practice skills immediately after learning them
- Scaffold writing instruction to prepare students for the end-of-unit product
- Culminate with an authentic assessment that demonstrates what students have individually mastered throughout the unit
You’ll leave this session feeling energized and equipped to plan powerful writing units at any grade level. This edWebinar will be of interest to K-12 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.
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
Didi Harris is a Literacy Consultant with Smekens Education, known for her ability to empower educators through her warm, energetic approach. With a background as an elementary teacher and reading specialist, Didi has a wealth of experience in fostering student growth and supporting teacher development. She spent a decade at Central Elementary in Plainfield, Indiana, where she excelled in leading effective instruction in reading and writing. Didi is passionate about helping educators unlock their potential, offering practical, tailored strategies that inspire confidence and enthusiasm in the classroom.
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.
