Breakout Presentations

Focusing on classroom interaction patterns and the language of reading comprehension instruction, Frank will discuss the various ways teachers talk with students about reading and comprehension, the language used in reading lessons, the questions teachers ask, and the types of responses that support comprehension. Frank will draw on transcripts from actual classrooms and will offer suggestions on how to move beyond literal questions, break traditional interaction patterns, and use higher-level questions to extend students’ thinking. (CA)

In this session, the best-selling author of The Secrets of Droon and more than 30 other books for young readers, Tony Abbott, will share his own genre series and will discuss how series fiction spurs literacy among reluctant readers in the early grades. He will describe the basis of all stories, form Goodnight Moon to War and Peace; detail the no-nonsense tips and techniques he uses to write his own works; and share how these concepts can inspire writing in your classroom. (CA)

Mark Twain was a master at using experience to create timeless stories. This session will take you through a “top 10 list” of writing lessons that will allow your students to tap into their richest resource—themselves. Using the boyhood experiences of Samuel Clemens as a lens, you will learn how to help your students turn any writing prompt into an autobiographical sketch camouflaged as fiction, poetry, or even expository writing. Your students will move from “I don’t know what to write about” to “I want to keep writing!” If you’re tired of reading stories about aliens and monsters, join Cindy to learn more about making writing personal, meaningful, and relevant. And Cindy promises—no whitewashing! Cindy will also provide a CD of materials to all participants. This session is a repeat of session #5. (CA)

Get your students out of their seats for math! Learn how partner games and hands-on exploration can help you differentiate your math instruction. Discover vibrant literature ideal for introducing and reviewing the math concepts listed in state learning goals and gather ideas about how to integrate movement and literacy into your math curriculum. Explore new uses for materials you already have and interact with a variety of practical resources and manipulatives that compliment any elementary math program. Plus, take advantage of creative, teacher- and kid-friendly activities designed to reach all learners. (CA, MA, MO)

In this presentation, you will learn how to help your students make the reading/writing connection and “get in the game.” Teachers need to teach with great intentionality so students can truly see a fine point, study it, and then apply the learning in a real and meaningful way as they read fiction and nonfiction text. Rebecca and LeAnn will model strategies to make thinking visible and help students get their heads in the game. (CA, MRI)

Stressed out about word work? Need an array of treatments for your “condition”? Come to this session and learn how to actually relax and enjoy letter sorting, word making, and word building. Feel the calm of the classroom when you are instructing individual or group word activities. Take in a deep breath and absorb ideas that will extend your literacy block and/or literacy work stations. You will leave with all the calming techniques you need to immediately improve the quality of word work in your classroom. (CA, MRI)

Join nationally-acclaimed cartoonist and storyteller Joe Wos in a hands-on workshop demonstrating the importance of creativity, imagination, and imagery in the classroom. Using his easy to follow methods, Joe will demonstrate not just how to draw, but how to tap into imagination to create new ideas. Whether you are teaching pre-school, elementary, or even high school, you will find many ways to implement these methods into your art and creative writing programs. His presentation combines hands-on experiences with elements of live performance. You will learn how to draw, and you will be amazed at your own abilities! This session is a repeat of session #8. (CA, FA)

After Jill’s dynamic presentation on Conscious Discipline®, you will feel energized and motivated to welcome the diversity of individuals who walk through your classroom door! In this session, you will learn how to assess and manage your own “emotional brain” as well as how to help foster emotional intelligence in your students. Consequences alone work with connected children who already possess the necessary communication skills, but they will not work with all students. Jill will share with you how to replace control with “connectedness” and domination with “structure” in your classroom so that all of your students can succeed. She will share the key ingredient for successful problem-solving classrooms, including the adult and child responsibilities needed to make it all work. (CM)

Get excited about inspiring student success every day with efficient and effective guided groups. In this session, Shonna will go in depth with the latest research-based strategies for efficiently planning two-day guided reading lessons that best meet the needs of your diverse learners. Learn how to go step by step though planning effective student-centered lessons that advance student learning through reading, word work, and writing as reciprocal processes. Shonna will enthusiastically empower you to inspire students’ success through motivational and fun strategies that will keep your guided reading groups strong all year long! (CA, MRI)