Conferencing with Students Created by Alexandra McElwee Graphics and Layout by Michelle Sekulich, Curriculum and Assessment

2 Quick Write! Take a few minutes to write about the following questions: What is a writing conference? What are the benefits and challenges of conferencing with students during your writing block?

3 What is a conference? “A writing conference is a meeting to discuss student work.” Regie Routman, Writing Essentials pg. 206 “The writing conference lets you engage in the teaching dynamic that most of us wanted when we entered this profession—a unique one-on-one interaction between you and a student.” Ralph Fletcher, Writing Workshop, pg. 48

4 Why conference with students? “The purpose of the writing conference is to help children teach you about what they know (which involves self-reflection), so that you can help them more effectively with their writing.” —Donald Graves

5 Why conference with students? “The writing conference is the heart of teaching the writing process. When teachers confer with children, they provide them with individualized guidance within their zone of proximal development.” —Dorn & Soffos (2001)

6 Why conference with students? “Teacher-student and peer conferences are the heart of teaching writing. Through them students learn to interact with their own writing.” –Calkins

7 Best Practices in Teaching Writing (by Zemmelman) says… Teachers increase student ownership and responsibility by using brief teacher-student conferences. Teachers need to create a supportive classroom setting for shared learning by using conferences and peer critiquing that give responsibility for improvement to the author.

8 Introductory Video Clips Think about… What is the purpose of the conference? What do you notice about teacher behaviors? What do you notice about student behaviors? Primary (Routman, Derek-2 nd grade, title 7, 3:46) Intermediate (Routman, Max-4 th grade, title 64, 4:20)

9 Writing Conference Guidelines The following guidelines are from Writing Essentials, pg Before, during and after writing, respond to the writer by: Listening (to what writer is trying to say). Affirming (what writer has done well). Reinforcing (the writer’s strengths, attempts). Assessing (confusions, strengths, next steps).

10 Writing Conference Guidelines (continued) The following guidelines are from Writing Essentials, pg. 206 Teaching (what’s most important for the writer to move forward and only what the writer is ready for). Scaffolding (helping the writer say, write and do what she can’t quite do yet without your help). Setting Goals (for the writer to attempt to meet on his own, with minimal guidance and support).

11 Types of Writing Conferences Whole-class Conferences One-on-One Formal Conferences Quickshares Roving, On-the-Run Conferences Peer Conferences

12 Homework Think about your classroom. Select one type of conference to practice with students during the next week. Be prepared to share your conferencing experience with colleagues at your next team meeting.