Build Writing Skills Across Curriculum

Science

Crafting Science Writers: Integrating Writing in the Science Classroom

October 10th (grades K-5) | October 17th (grades 6-12)

Join us as we explore practical writing tools and strategies to bring writing in science to the forefront.

In this workshop, we will:

• Understand the importance of developing scientific literacy skills through writing and ways in which that can occur within the science classroom.
• Discover strategies that enforce writing as a tool for synthesis, communication, and reflection of science concepts.
• Collaborate on ideas and troubleshoot challenges surrounding short-constructed responses in science.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Take the next step in your educational career

October 15th (Region 13 Austin) | October 22nd (Region 13 San Marcos)

“Empower Students to Think, Write, and Learn Like Historians!”

Writing in the Social Studies classroom is essential to fostering a deep understanding of historical content in students. Still, it can be a challenge to incorporate time for it. In this workshop, participants will explore how writing enhances students’ comprehension of Social Studies TEKS. Participants will explore the following,

• Low Stakes Writing: Discover strategies for incorporating brief, informal writing activities that promote thinking and engagement.
• Extended Writing Formats: Learn how to design and implement longer writing assignments that deepen students’ analysis and connection to the material.
• Intentional Planning: Develop skills for planning writing activities that align with instructional goals and support content mastery.
• Building Connections: Find ways to use writing to help students build meaningful connections between themselves and historical content.

READING LANGUAGE ARTS

Building the Bridge between Reading and Writing Make & Take (K-5)

October 22nd (Region 13 Austin) | November 5th (Region 13 San Marcos)

Are you passionate about helping your students become confident and proficient readers but unsure how to target reading gaps? This course is a valuable resource for elementary teachers of all grade levels (K-5) looking to enhance their reading instruction skills and create a nurturing, effective reading environment in their classrooms.

During this course, you will:

• Develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental building blocks of reading, including vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and written composition.
• Recognize the recursive relationship between reading and writing
• Explore the latest research in the Science of Reading.
• Collaborate with peers across our region and build your literacy community.
• Experience the importance of the gradual release model.
• MAKE & TAKE away classroom materials, tools, and strategies ready for immediate implementation in your classroom.

Your students will benefit from your newfound expertise, and you’ll experience the joy of facilitating meaningful, self-driven learning.

Interactive Strategies from Low-Stakes Writing to STAAR Success

October 29th (grades 3-5)

This course is designed to equip you with essential strategies for guiding your students toward excellence in crafting extended and short-constructed responses specifically tailored for the STAAR assessment in grades 3-5. You will delve into a comprehensive range of topics crucial to STAAR success, including a scope and sequence that transitions your students from low-stakes writing to honing the art of formulating well-structured responses. Through collaboration with fellow educators, you will acquire practical insights that translate into enhanced student performance.

Whether you’re an experienced educator aiming to enhance your methods or a new teacher in search of direction, this course will equip you with the skills to lead your students to success on the STAAR assessment.

By participating, you will gain:

• Engaging Lesson Frameworks: Instructional strategies for low-stakes writing that foster critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity among students.
• Effective Test Preparation Tools: Easy-to-transfer graphic organizers for Short Constructed Responses (SCR) and Extended Constructed Responses (ECR) to ensure readiness on test day.
• Comprehensive Scope and Sequence: A detailed plan incorporating the gradual release of responsibility, guiding students smoothly from SCRs to ECRs.
• Enhanced Thinking Skills: Innovative ideas and activities to deepen students’ thinking, paired with visual strategies that boost their chances of success.