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«Back to all edWebinarsAchieving Systematic Writing Instruction: The Science of Writing Part 3
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT
Presented by Kristina Smekens, President and Lead Consultant, Smekens Education
Moderated by Didi Harris, Literacy Consultant, Smekens Education
Sponsored by Smekens Education
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Stronger writing achievement isn’t driven by one great lesson at a time—it comes from instruction intentionally designed to build across the year.
Join literacy expert Kristina Smekens for an engaging edWebinar, part three of a three-part series, that explores how the Science of Writing informs systematic, yearlong writing instruction. Grounded in research and classroom practice, this session focuses on how intentional sequencing, scaffolding, and spiraling of writing skills support sustained growth over time.
Kristina will examine how to move beyond disconnected lessons and units toward a coherent instructional design—one that helps teachers know what to teach, when to teach it, and how skills should build across narrative, informative, and persuasive/argumentative writing.
In this session, attendees will learn:
- What the research reveals about systematic writing instruction
- Why a yearlong, sequenced approach is critical for developing strong writers
- How to scaffold narrative, informative, and persuasive/argumentative writing skills across the year, beginning with each genre’s foundational ingredients and organizational structure and building toward more sophisticated skills
- How to sequence instruction so students first practice new genre skills with familiar topics and then transition to more rigorous, text-based writing as their confidence and control grow
- What key factors to consider when designing effective writing mini units
This edWebinar will be of interest to K–12 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.
View part one and register for part two:
5 Writing Essentials of an Effective K–12 Program: The Science of Writing Part 1
Explicit Writing Instruction: Debunking Common Misconceptions: The Science of Writing Part 2
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 earning a CE certificate and our 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.
