Celebration of Writing and Literacy 2014
by Robert Rivera-Amezola
The annual Celebration of Writing and Literacy (CoWL) is preparing for its 13th year to be held Saturday, October 25th from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. This unique day gathers teachers and researchers from across the city at Penn’s Graduate School of Education to share strategies, reflect on practice, and celebrate the many ways educators explore literacy in their classrooms and day-to-day lives. This year’s keynote speaker will be Matt Kay, SLA teacher and slam league coordinator of the Philly Youth Poetry Movement.
Some previous workshops and discussions have included:
Unpacking the Common Core with Technology
Conversations About Engaging Students – Boys Write Now & Save Our Skills Summer Program
Cultivating Reflective Writers in grades K-2
Engaging Home in Homework Through Writing and Photography
Common Core Standards Through Authentic Social Justice Curriculum
Remixing Our Stories: A Connected Learning Hack-Jam!
Comprehension Strategy Instruction: Taking Student Thinking to a Higher Level
We’re in a Book! Engaging Middle School Writers Through Print-on-Demand Technology
Anyone interested in presenting this year should go to: http://bit.ly/1p49inw to register or visit the website of the Philadelphia Writing Project. Previous presenters have commented on the low stress level the day offers and the wonderful opportunity to practice presenting in front of a welcoming audience. Attendees are always surprised by the array of workshops and conversations that are offered. It is a day that encourages open dialogue about the many ways educators are engaging with literacy across the K-12 spectrum. Read Maja Almquist’s reflection in this issue to get a graduate student’s perspective on the day.
The cost for the day includes coffee in the morning and lunch. Pre-registration is $25.00 or $30.00 at the door. All PhilWP TCs with paid dues are free, including new TCs having completed either Institutes this summer.
Robert Rivera-Amezola is currently the PhilWP Scholar. He is a Curriculum Development Specialist with the Office of Multilingual Curriculum and Programs of the School District of Philadelphia. He became a teacher consultant with the Philadelphia Writing Project in 2005.