All About Writing Conferences

A writing conference is a conversation between two writers. Easy. 

So why do so many teachers find it challenging? Are your writing conferences dealing with what matters most, or do you find yourself focused on editing? Do you spend too long reading writing and then have no time to conference with your students? In this course, we will analyse the roles and predictable routine of a writing conference, starting with the basics. We will examine different types of conferences and the purpose of each. We will evaluate the talk that happens in a conference and set the lofty goal of listening, scaffolding our students to take the lead and be thoughtful participants in a conference. We will look at how to keep records that are fast, easy, and useful in multiple ways. We will plan for the teaching and learning that needs to happen to get a good conferencing rhythm happening, so the time you spend is valuable in terms of great pedagogy, and also valued as quality time building relationships with the individual writers in your room. 

This course involves some understanding (or at least awareness) of a writers' workshop classroom, the writing process, and the qualities of great writing (author's craft). If you haven't established a climate for conferencing in your classroom, you can't conference. We offer core courses around these topics if you want to start there, but you are welcome to join this course either way.

If you want to have powerful conferencing conversations, this course will help to get you started. If you are conferencing but keen to improve your practice, please come along.

This course is being offered on two dates – choose the date that best suits you to attend.

It is part of our Four Core Courses - sign up for all four and get a discount.

A discount also applies for 3+ people from the same school attending the same workshop, so come with your friends!

This course is suitable for all K-6 teachers and school leaders looking for practical strategies and tools to support a strong writing culture within their classrooms and school.