Workshop Overview

In most schools, reading, writing, and content areas are taught as stand-alone subjects. But reading and writing are mirror images, and being skilled at one deepens our understanding of the other. As Annie Proulx reminds us, “Writing comes from reading, and reading is the finest teacher of how to write.” Similarly, when young readers look at text through the lens of how the author wrote it, they are better positioned to comprehend. Moreover, content area subjects offer rich opportunities to teach reading and writing strategies in the context of specific disciplines.  

While few would argue the importance of helping children see these connections, it’s not always clear how to do this in our teaching. In this two-day in person institute, Carl and Dan will offer a practical, step-by-step, inquiry-based approach to connecting reading, writing, and content area instruction that teachers can bring to their classrooms tomorrow.     

In this two-day in person institute, Carl and Dan will offer practical, classroom ready strategies for or integrating reading, writing, and content area instruction in upper elementary and middle school classrooms.  

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will: 

• Practical, actionable suggestions for making reading and writing connections across subject areas;

• Specific suggestions for weaving literacy instruction into social studies and science units of study;

• Strategies for introducing reading-writing connections in whole class lessons, small group instruction, and individual conferences;

• A step-wise approach to reading like a writer, through close study of mentor texts throughout the writing cycle;

• Daily routines that support the connections between reading and writing;

• How to draw attention to writers craft in read-alouds, partnerships, and book clubs;

• Methods for fostering student independence and agency in making reading-writing connections;

• Integrating teaching the reading-writing connection in a PYP, MYP, and IB curriculum.