Workshops

Available for Keynotes and half/full/multiple day workshops (with virtual options). I provide Professional Learning for PreK-8 teachers, administrators, and teacher candidates. The workshop are personalized for the intended audience. 

I have worked with districts located in Alaska (Bethel), Texas (Austin, McAllen, Midland, Odessa),  West Virginia (Jefferson County), Louisiana (Baton Rouge), South Carolina (North Charleston), and Ohio (Kenton, Marion, Milford Center, Upper Arlington, Westerville).

Participants experience guided, shared, and independent strategies for reading, writing, and word study for PreK-8 learners. Workshop content guides participants as they examine the critical relationship between prior knowledge and comprehension, ways for students to achieve proficiency in vocabulary, and writing strategies that facilitate learning. This workshop can be altered to take a deep dive into any of the above topics, such as guided reading, spelling development, or writing skills.

Participants examine definitions and playful examples (in poetry and prose) to teach antonyms, synonyms, acronyms (and many more “nyms”), similes, metaphors, idioms, shades of meaning, and word origins. With this fun and practical workshop, teachers discover a fascinating approach for empowering their elementary through middle school students’ vocabulary. Students develop a deeper understanding of how the English language works, enrich their vocabularies, and improve reading and writing skills. 

This workshop supports the understanding of the development of proficient readers through developmentally appropriate lessons and activities. It uses playful poems featuring engaging topics and supported by illustrations for skills practice.Workstation ideas are explored. Content connections in mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts are provided to deepen and extend student learning. Family letters demonstrate useful ways to provide additional support for students.

Workshop participants experience learning about words as a conceptual and developmental process. Participants discover how learning is memorable when students are engaged in such activities as word sorting. Models are offered on how to help students become strategic and independent spellers. Examination of how to construct viable word lists for all students that make learning student driven and highly successful.

Imagine every student moving from rookie researcher to accomplished writer! 7 steps to research will change their writing projects. No more “I googled it”…“it was on Wikipedia!”…“my uncle told me.”  Instead, “I learned this by interviewing an expert”…”In my first search I learned my topic was too big so I narrowed it”….”I found this new book that showed…” Guide students to develop lifelong skills in conducting research. This hands-on session changes how students research BEFORE they write.

What’s the connection between “nausea” and “nautical?” How did we get “serendipity” from the sailing trip of three Persian princes? And what’s the story behind “to steal my thunder?” In this session, we cruise through some of the quirkiness of the English language. Etymologies can be entertaining and enlightening. Some idioms may not be what you think. Let’s dive into some puzzles about punctuation. Join in the fun of this interactive session! All hands on deck!

How are “albatross” and “auburn” related? What’s the connection between “deadline” and the Civil War? Hands-on vocabulary games explore word origins and histories. Uncover the meaning, history, and spelling of words.  Move beyond the memorization model that relies on transference of knowledge from short to long term memory. Tap into the power of storytelling and active engagement to make memories instead of memorizing lists of words. The history of English can empower vocabulary learning. 

So many options...what Professional Learning is of interest to you?  All of the above workshops can be altered to meet your needs. I look forward to helping you plan a workshop that will enhance your literacy teaching! Contact me to discuss your ideas!