A Teacher's Guide to Writing Conferences: The Classroom Essentials Series

by Carl Anderson, Katie Wood Ray (Editor)

How can I get started with conferring or improve my conferences?
How can I fit conferences into my busy writing workshop schedule?
How can conferences help me meet the diverse needs of student writers? Helping students become better writers is what writing conferences are all about.In A Teacher's Guide to Writing Conferences, Carl Anderson explains the underlying principles and reasons for conferring with students, and how to make writing conferences a part of your daily routine. With clear and accessible language, Carl guides you through the three main parts of a writing conference, and shows you the teaching moves and intentional language that can be used in each one. He helps you
- how to get started with conferring, or improve your existing conferences
- how to use conferences to meet the diverse needs of your student writers
- how to fit conferences into your busy writing workshop schedule.
More than 25 videos bring the content to life, while Teacher Tips, Q&A's, and Recommended Reading lists provide everything you need to help you become a better writing teacher.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, School, Professional Development, Writing

128 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2018

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever felt unsure during writing conferences - READ THIS BOOK! With comic-like drawings and easy to follow charts, Anderson provides teachers tips for all components of an effective conference. First, he introduces what a conference is and then gives you the three components (discover what they're doing, assess and decide what to teach, then teach purposefully). Honestly, if you're on the fence about getting this book- just do it. You'll find something helpful. Can't wait for my conferences next year - wahoo! :D

[Melissapalmer404]

Read it for a book study that I'll be taking soon. Some good tips but a lot of it was geared more towards the elementary grades.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the past 3 years we have been using the Units of Study in our school district. One of the areas I feel I need improvement still is in the writing conferences. After reading this book they make so much more sense. I have been to conferences and they have been using these terms but some of the tips on here add to my understanding. I can’t wait to use the tips provided to better my writing conferences. The videos are an amazing tool also.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great how-to book for conferring with writers of all ages. It’s well organized with loads of graphics, teaching tips from mentors, and videos of actual conferences. Once a teacher has the structures of writer’s workshop set up and running, this book will provide those next steps for how to talk to individuals about their writing. A must-have for every teacher’s professional library!!

[Kalysta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and its accessible format. The graphics and overall design of the book made it quick and easy to read. So much amazing material packaged beautifully and efficiently. It’s the perfect professional development book for reading during the school year when time is a scarce resource. I’m really looking forward to all the books in Heinemann’s Classroom Essentials series.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy read with lots of tips that can be implemented the next day. Carl Anderson provides a clear summary of the the structure of a writing conference, then digs deep into how to respond common scenarios. He includes many specific teaching points for each aspect of the writing process. This book is highly graphic--perfect for visual learners. Looking forward to trying out many of his tips!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicely written! A good resource for beginning and seasoned teachers. Videos add to this book's appeal.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possibly life changing?

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good professional development book on writing conferences. Practical advice for common scenarios teachers encounter. The link to video examples is helpful.
Stacy

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the structure of this book. Very easy to implement the strategies and is a good tool for teachers just starting out or those that want a refresher or to confirm their practices!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for a PD book club after Carl Anderson came for a site visit. It is a quick read with very helpful ideas and strategies for conducting successful writer’s workshop conferences.

[Kelli Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know how to make sense of your writing conferences this is a must read!!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Carl Anderson takes a complicated subject-conferring with young writers and makes it do-able!

[Skyy Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many detailed techniques. I will be referencing back to it often