1. EngageNY.org Overcoming Barriers to the Read, Think, Talk, Write Cycle Session 4, May 2014 NTI

2. EngageNY.org2 Good Morning! Please greet your tablemates, being sure to share your name and position/role back at home. Discuss the following anecdote: I was observing in an 8 th grade class and checked in with students about how their work was going. “Well,” said one student, “I am trying to write this paper about Civil Rights and it is hard. I don’t think I can do it.” My heart sank. “Why not?” I asked her. “What didn't you know how to do?” “Oh, I knew how,” she replied without hesitation. “I just didn't know enough. I barely understand what Civil Rights are. How can I write about them?”

3. Learning Target for this Session I can describe the importance of deep and thorough reading, critical thinking, and purposeful academic discourse as the basis for quality writing. I can help teachers overcome barriers to implementing the full cycle. EngageNY.org3

4. Getting Started Please see p. X in your Participants’ Journal. EngageNY.org4 Read Think “Essence” Write

5. Triads: Synthesize Your Thinking EngageNY.org5 Combined Thinking = Write on Sticky Note Essence #1

6. While Viewing Use additional sticky notes to keep track of key ideas. Go for short = 1 or 2 words. One key idea per sticky note. Each person should end up with a small pile of 8-10 sticky notes. EngageNY.org6

7. Concept Mapping Central Idea Sub Idea Sub Idea EngageNY.org7

8. Quick Write A technique frequently used in the modules to help students “capture thinking.” In your Participants’ Notebook, p X, take 5 minutes to write about the important ideas you’re thinking as a result of this session so far, with a particular focus on your ideas about what keeps teachers from implementing the full “read, think, talk, write” cycle. EngageNY.org8

9. Analyzing Another Lesson EngageNY.org9 Pair up with a neighbor. As you watch:  One member of the team should focus on the teacher’s instructional “moves.” What does this teacher explicitly and implicitly teach her students?  One member of the team should focus on the students’ reactions. What are these children doing and saying that gives insight into their thinking and learning?

10. Debrief the Video What did you each notice? What were the possible implications of what you observed on the students’ learning and their work? What barriers could possibly exist in this teacher’s classroom that keep her from implementing the full cycle? How could those barriers be eliminated? What feedback would you give this teacher and why? EngageNY.org10

11. Journal Please use p. X in your Participants’ Journal to capture takeaways from this session. Enjoy a short break. The next session begins at 10:45. EngageNY.org11