Beyond the True Story: Student Choice in Narrative Writing: Kindergarten-6th Grade
Jul
31
to Aug 2

Beyond the True Story: Student Choice in Narrative Writing: Kindergarten-6th Grade

  • Vermont Literacy Conference (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Teaching personal narrative at the start of the year can be a powerful way to invite students to get to know each other, to create their own identity and life story via the narratives they choose to tell, and to set the stage for a year of meaningful, creative, powerful writing. However, lying just under the surface of this work lies the risk of blocking out some students who might not be ready to trust others with their stories. Some stories, some life circumstances, are just too precarious to share first thing in the school year–or maybe anytime during the school year. So what can you do to earn their trust? How do you build a community of writers who can trust each other at the start of the year? What options can you offer so that every child in your classroom feels welcome and included as a writer in your classroom?

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Heart Words: Kid-Friendly Orthographic Mapping of High Frequency Words
Jul
31
to Aug 2

Heart Words: Kid-Friendly Orthographic Mapping of High Frequency Words

  • Vermont Literacy Conference (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In this co-facilitated session with Beth Moore, a literacy coach, & Heather Ferreira, a 1st-2nd grade multiage classroom teacher, you’ll learn a simple, kid-friendly method for orthographic mapping of high-frequency words. High-frequency words are the words children will see in nearly every book they read and will write every time they create their own stories. These words are so common that learning to recognize these words automatically is an important step in becoming a strong reader and writer. Instead of rote memorization, children can be taught that some parts of the word are spelled in a way that is expected — and other parts of the word need to be learned “by heart”.

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Practice What You Teach: Become A Stronger Teacher Through Writing Your Own Stories
Jun
26
to Jun 30

Practice What You Teach: Become A Stronger Teacher Through Writing Your Own Stories

  • Champlain Valley Educator Development Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The teaching of writing is a combination of two important things: effective, engaging instruction, and a deep knowledge of how to write well. In this course, teachers will have the opportunity to practice their own writing, and then plan how that same work can also support their students. This course is designed around practicing what you teach--writing your own original stories and sharing them with others.

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Jul
1
to Sep 30

Online Summer Course: An Overview to Writing Workshop

This course is designed to help teachers in grades K-5 establish writing workshop. This course will include the study of methods of teaching writing including writing workshop, minilessons, conferring, small group work, shared writing and interactive writing.

The course will include a combination of video clips, readings, samples of student work, creating practical lesson plans, and other engaging online resources to provide a very practical overview for teachers, especially those new to teaching writing workshop, or new to their grade level. Participants will also practice their own writing, drafting three main types of writing highlighted in the Common Core Standards: narrative, informational, and opinion/argument.

The course is designed to be self-paced, allowing participants to work on sessions as schedules allow across the summer. Informal, formative assessments are embedded into each session. A companion summer online course An Overview of Reading Workshop will be running concurrently and should be registered for separately.

This course is offered for two St. Michaels College graduate credits, through Champlain Valley Educator Development Center. Click here for more information.

Note: Books not included, but access to Units of Study for Teaching Narrative, Informational, Oponion/Argument (Calkins et al) required to take course.


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Jul
1
to Sep 30

Online Summer Course: An Overview to Reading Workshop

This course is designed to help teachers in grades K-5 establish reading workshop. The course will be devoted to studying, planning for, and practicing various methods of reading instruction. Methods covered in this course will include: 
· interactive read-aloud, 
· explicit strategy instruction, 
· independent reading, 
· guided reading, 
· shared reading, and 
· phonics/word study.

These will be learned through a combination of related readings, video clips, analyzing samples of student work, and a range of other engaging online resources.

The course is designed to be self-paced, allowing participants to work on sessions as schedules allow across the summer. Informal, formative assessments are embedded into each session. A companion summer online course An Overview of Writing Workshop will be running concurrently and should be registered for separately.

This course is offered for two St. Michaels College graduate credits, through Champlain Valley Educator Development Center. Click here for more information.

Note: Books not included, but access to Units of Study for Teaching Reading(Calkins et al) required to take course.

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Aug
13
to Aug 17

Reading Workshop: Routines, Structures, and Methods to Grow Lifelong Readers

  • Founders Elementary School (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This course will be devoted to studying, planning for, and practicing various methods of reading instruction. Balanced literacy methods covered in this course will include: interactive read-aloud, reading workshop, shared reading, and phonics/word study. These will be learned through a combination of related readings, demonstrations by the instructor, lesson planning, role-play, studying video clips, and analyzing samples of student work. Participants will also be expected practice methods in their own classrooms

Emphasis will be placed on practicing methods that are responsive to the needs and goals of each individual student, and balancing the use of each method according to the needs of the students.

This course offered specifically to K-5 teachers in the Essex Westford School District. Participants from outside the district should contact Beth for more information.

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Jul
10
to Jul 13

Differentiating Your Instruction for Every Learner: Reading Course

  • Barre Town Elementary School (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This course, hosted by the Lamoille Area Professional Development Academy (LAPDA), will be devoted to studying, planning for, and practicing various methods of reading instruction. The course is offered for three credits through St. Michael's College, or a non-credit option.

 Balanced literacy methods covered in this course will include interactive read aloud, reading workshop, shared reading, and phonics/word study. These will be learned through a combination of related readings, demonstrations by the instructor, lesson planning, role-play, studying video clips, and analyzing samples of student work

Participants will explore specific methods of assessment including a progression of literacy learning that is aligned with the Common Core State Standards. We will demonstrate using authentic, engaging, beautiful literature to support students’ readingand differentiating literacy instruction for all students. This work will take into account special needs, as well as the needs of English Language Learners. 

For more information visit this link on LAPDA's website.

This course meets July 10-13 8:00-4:00, plus a fall follow-up on September 11, 8:00-4:00.

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Jun
22
to Jun 23

Going Beyond the Units of Study with Leah Mermelstein and Beth Moore

In this two day institute, hosted by the Champlain Valley Educator Development Center, in Colchester, VT, Leah will begin the institute sharing the ‘must-haves’ of Writing Workshop as well as the components of a balanced writing curriculum, how to make responsible choices in topic, minilessons and process, as well as creating self-directed learners.

Participants will learn about overarching learning and teaching concepts for writing workshop, building units of study that are tailored to your students’ needs, and incorporating the Lucy Calkins’ materials as well as specific instructional strategies into your writing curriculum.

There will be break-out sessions where Leah will focus more deeply in a K-2 group and Beth with grades 3-6. Each will go beyond the units of study and give teachers and teams opportunities for unit development that incorporates specific instructional strategies to reach all learners, developing resources for conferring and small group work inside a unit. The institute will close focusing on closure strategies. The soon-to-be published book: The Writing Strategies Book will be included with registration fee.

*Includes the 2017 book: The Writing Strategies Book: Your Everything Guide to Developing Skilled Writers by Jennifer Serravallo

** Option for 3 graduate credit course adding June 26-28 at a site TBD taught by Beth Moore will be offered. More details coming soon!

For more information and to register, visit the CVEDC website.

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Apr
7
8:00 AM08:00

Poetry: Inspiration and Mentor Texts for K-5 (VCR Breakout Session)

Just in time for National Poetry Month, this engaging workshop will inspire you to bring poetry into your writing workshop. You’ll practice tried-and-true strategies for sparking poetry ideas for all ages, and study engaging mentor texts that bring beauty and meaning to your daily teaching. The workshop will include hands on practice of strategies that you can take back to your classroom the next day. Whether you are new to writing workshop, or have many years of workshop teaching experience, you are sure to leave with a few new ideas.

Chris Lehman is the keynote speaker for this daylong conference. For more information and to register for the conference, visit the Vermont Council on Reading's website.

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Jan
12
9:00 AM09:00

Teaching Essay and Argument in Writing Workshop (Grades 4-8)

This one-day workshop, offered through the CVEDC, for teachers of grades 4-8 will focus on essay and argumentative writing that inspires kids to write passionately about topics that matter to them. You’ll practice creating a classroom environment that inspires kids to explore big ideas, and create a culture of thoughtful consideration of multiple perspectives and debate. You’ll have a chance to develop tried and true minilessons for helping kids overcome writer’s block, developing a strong thesis, and elaborating on an idea in a way that not only conveys the message clearly – but also pulls the reader in to get them to care about the topic too. The day will be packed with practical classroom-ready strategies for a range of essay types.

Prerequisites: The workshop will assume that participants have some experience teaching writing workshop that is centered on daily time for independent writing.

Text: The Journey is Everything: Teaching Essays That Students Want to Write for People Who Want to Read Them, by Katherine Bomer

For more information and registration details, visit CVEDC's website. 

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Nov
17
to Nov 20

So You Say You're Not a Writer. Panel Presentation at NCTE, Atlanta, GA

  • Google Calendar ICS

This NCTE panel presentation co-presented by Deb Frazier, Betsy Hubbard, Dana Murphy, Tara Smith, and Beth Moore will inspire teachers to set their own writing goals and share their own love of writing with students. Deb, Betsy, Dana, Tara, and Beth have worked as a team of coauthors on the award-winning blog Two Writing Teachers. Each brings their own unique perspective and experience to the topic. Exact Date and Time TBD.

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Nov
14
to Nov 15

Small Group Work in Reading Workshop: Strategy Lessons, Shared Reading, Guided Reading, Book Clubs and More (Grades K-4) 2 Day Workshop

  • Hiawatha Elementary School (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

How do you address the individual needs of each reader in your classroom? 

In this two-day workshop offered through CVEDC, participants will study methods for teaching small groups inside a reading workshop model. You’ll learn how to select from a variety of engaging, age appropriate methods that not only help children move along a progression of reading ability – but also foster a lifelong love of reading. This workshop will include a study of guided reading in small groups, but will go far beyond to include a wide range of innovative methods. Participants in this session will view video clips, participate in simulations, and practice using data to inform instructional plans. The highlight of this workshop will be demonstrations of small group instruction in real classrooms, led by the presenter. This session will also help participants make connections between best practices in reading instruction to the Common Core State Standards.

Prerequisites: The workshop will assume that participants have some experience teaching reading workshop (Calkins, et. al.) that is centered on daily time for independent self-selected reading from a classroom library.

Click here to visit CVEDC's website to find out more and to register.

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Aug
15
to Aug 18

Getting Started with Reading Workshop

  • Franklin Central Supervisory Union (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This course will be devoted to studying, planning for, and practicing various methods of engaging and meaningful reading instruction. Balanced literacy methods covered in this course will include interactive read aloud, reading workshop, shared reading, and phonics/word study. These will be learned through a combination of related readings, demonstrations by the instructor, lesson planning, role-play, studying video clips, and analyzing samples of student work. Participants will also be expected practice methods in their own classrooms

Emphasis will be placed on practicing methods that are responsive to the needs and goals of each particular group of students, and balancing the use of each method according to the needs of the students.

Participants will explore specific methods of assessment including a progression of literacy learning that is aligned with the Common Core State Standards. We will demonstrate using authentic, engaging, beautiful literature to support students’ readingand differentiating literacy instruction for all students. This work will take into account special needs, as well as the needs of English Language Learners. 

This 3 credit course is offered though a partnership with Franklin Central Supervisory Union, CVEDC, and St. Michael's College.

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Aug
1
to Aug 3

Vermont Reads Institute: Big Ideas in Little Books: Supporting Beginning Readers with Reading Comprehension and Conversation (K-2)

In this lively strand Beth Moore, coauthor on the Units of Study for Teaching Reading (Lucy Calkins et al, 2015), will share how to inspire our youngest readers to think deeply about the books they read during reading workshop. She’ll share how reading workshop for young children can be infused with play, drama, and conversation that brings texts to life. Participants will learn to use various tools that help identify student strengths and next steps in reading comprehension, as well as various methods of instruction for lifting the level of children’s thinking and talking about books. The session will include simulations of classroom activities, role-play, and video clips. This session is offered through Vermont Reads Institute for University of Vermont graduate credit.

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Jun
27
to Jun 30

Getting Started with Reading Workshop

This course will be devoted to studying, planning for, and practicing various methods of engaging and meaningful reading instruction. Balanced literacy methods covered in this course will include interactive read aloud, reading workshop, shared reading, and phonics/word study. These will be learned through a combination of related readings, demonstrations by the instructor, lesson planning, role-play, studying video clips, and analyzing samples of student work. Participants will also be expected practice methods in their own classrooms

Emphasis will be placed on practicing methods that are responsive to the needs and goals of each particular group of students, and balancing the use of each method according to the needs of the students.

Participants will explore specific methods of assessment including a progression of literacy learning that is aligned with the Common Core State Standards. We will demonstrate using authentic, engaging, beautiful literature to support students’ readingand differentiating literacy instruction for all students. This work will take into account special needs, as well as the needs of English Language Learners. 

This 3 credit course is offered though a partnership with Franklin Central Supervisory Union, CVEDC, and St. Michael's College.

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Jun
20
to Jun 23

Reading Workshop: Aligning Literacy Curriculum and Engaging All Learners

  • Chittenden East Supervisory Union (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This course will be devoted to studying, planning for, and practicing various methods of reading instruction. Balanced literacy methods covered in this course will include interactive read aloud, reading workshop, shared reading, and phonics/word study. These will be learned through a combination of related readings, demonstrations by the instructor, lesson planning, role-play, studying video clips, and analyzing samples of student work. Participants will also be expected practice methods in their own classrooms. Course may be taken for Southern New Hampshire University graduate credits.

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May
6
to May 17

Reading Workshop: Aligning Literacy Curriculum and Engaging All Learners

  • Chittenden East Supervisory Union (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This course will be devoted to studying, planning for, and practicing various methods of reading instruction. Balanced literacy methods covered in this course will include interactive read aloud, reading workshop, shared reading, and phonics/word study. These will be learned through a combination of related readings, demonstrations by the instructor, lesson planning, role-play, studying video clips, and analyzing samples of student work. Participants will also be expected practice methods in their own classrooms. Course may be taken for 2 Southern New Hampshire University graduate credits.

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Jan
1
to Mar 31

Reading and Writing Connections: Using what you Know about Workshop Teaching Across Reading and Writing Instruction​

  • Barre Supervisory Union (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Course Description

This course, offered through a collaboration between LAPDA and Barre Supervisory Union for St. Michael's College graduate credit, will be devoted to enhancing literacy instruction by examining student work, planning implementation of units of study, and practicing various methods of reading and writing instruction. The course will include a combination of readings, lesson planning, simulations, and analysis of video clips. Participants will be expected o pply learning in their classrooms. Content of the course will be largely based on The Units of Study for Teaching Reading and The Units of Study for Opinion, Information, and Narrative Writingby Lucy Calkins and Colleagues. 

This course will be team-taught by instructors Beth Moore, Lindy Johnson, and Karen Heath.

Appropriate for grades K-5 educators, grades 6-8  with permission

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Aug
3
to Aug 5

Small Group Work in Reading Workshop: Shared Reading, Guided Reading, Strategy Lessons, Book Clubs and More (K-2) (VT Reads Institute, Stowe, VT)

How do you address the individual needs of each reader in your classroom? In this session, participants will study methods for teaching small groups inside a reading workshop model. You’ll study various methods with an eye toward how to select from a variety of engaging, age appropriate methods that not only help children move along a progression of reading ability – these methods also foster a deep love of reading. Participants in this session will view video clips of some methods, as well as practice some of the methods first-hand in simulations. This session will also help participants make connections between best practices in reading instruction to the Common Core State Standards. Participants should bring several books that reflect the approximate levels their students can typically read independently.

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Jul
27
to Jul 30

CESU & TCRWP Homegrown Writing Institute, Richmond, Vermont

This four day institute for teachers will have two strands- elementary and middle school -- with separate instructors. The four days of classes followed by application and reflection in your classroom will provide an overview of all the essentials of a strong writing workshop, with connections to reading. You’ll leave this institute inspired and refreshed, with new ideas and information that will last you the entire school year.

Our on-site institute in Richmond, Vermont will be tailored to meet individual teachers, and school’s needs, assessments, prior knowledge, and hopes. It will be designed to help educators in CESU and neighboring communities invigorate our own unique professional learning culture.

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Jul
20
to Jul 24

CCSU & TCRWP Homegrown Reading Institute, Westford, Vermont

This weeklong institute for teachers of grades kindergarten through fifth grade will provide an overview of all the essentials of a strong reading workshop, using the new Units of Study for Teaching Reading series. You’ll leave this institute inspired and refreshed, with new ideas and information that will last you the entire school year.

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Jul
13
to Jul 17

An Integrated Approach to Balanced Literacy (CVEDC Course/St. Michael's College, Colchester, Vermont)

In this three-credit course, participants will learn to understand how the separate strands the Common Core State Standards are connected and intertwined. Rather than looking at isolated strands, this course will look across reading, writing, speaking and listening, language and foundational skills.  Emphasis will be placed on practicing methods that are responsive to the needs and goals of each particular group of students, and balancing the use of each method according to the needs of the class.

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