edWebinars
«Back to all edWebinars9 Indicators of Explicit and Engaging Instruction
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT
Presented by Kristina Smekens, President and Lead Consultant, Smekens Education
Moderated by Holly Sluyter, Literacy Consultant, Smekens Education
Sponsored by Smekens Education
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
Great teaching isn’t just about delivering content—it’s about finding the right mix of direct instruction and learner participation, enabling students to internalize information. This edWebinar unveils nine key indicators of explicit and engaging instruction—research-backed elements that follow the gradual release of responsibility to provide clarity and structure throughout the entire learning process.
Attendees will explore how to make every phase of instruction planned, focused, and “edu-taining,” with a focus on literacy strategies that support comprehension and writing skills applicable in all content areas. This edWebinar will cover:
- Nine key indicators of explicit and engaging instruction – Identifying what they are, why they matter, and how they drive student achievement
- Modeling and think-alouds – Demonstrating thought processes to deepen comprehension and writing skills
- Engaging the whole class – Employing strategies to involve all students beyond just calling on volunteers
- Scaffolding independent work – Providing structured support as students transition from guided learning to mastery
Designed for K-12 educators, this session provides practical strategies to refine instruction, increase engagement, and guide students as they develop strong comprehension and writing skills.
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
A Literacy Consultant with Smekens Education, Holly Sluyter provides professional development in reading comprehension and writing to teachers across the United States. Through on-site consulting, virtual training, and remote coaching, Holly taps into her diverse experiences as a classroom teacher to encourage and empower educators with research-based best-practice literacy strategies.
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.
