Summer Workshops 2008
June 15 - July 10
(Mon–Fri, 8:30–3:00/6 credits)
Teaching of Writing
Teachers from all grade levels come together in this annual four-week summer workshop to study contemporary approaches to the teaching of writing and to share with one another their best classroom techniques. They attend workshops and presentations given by outstanding OWP teacher associates (grades K-12) and return to the classroom with ideas, suggestions, and strategies for assigning, receiving, and evaluating writing. While at the workshop, teachers develop their own writing and editing skills and learn ways to implement Ohio’s Language Arts standards. Participants enjoy extended periods of free writing time, small peer editing groups, individual conferences with Miami faculty, and numerous special events, such as readings at Miami’s Art Museum, brown-bag discussions on special topics, book talks with teachers from their own grade levels, and open-mike readings.
Instructors: Mary Fuller, Miami University; Charley Hoce, National Trail Elementary School, Helane Adams Androne, Miami University; Lou Kroner, K-6 certified, Miami University
June 8 - July 17 (Online/3 credits each)
Fairy Tales, Folk Tales and Fantasy
Lean ways to draw from, write, and teach these genres at all grade levels, while adhering to standards and having fun. The class will meet online, except one day on Miami's campus – Friday, June 19.
Instructors: Nikki Killen, Clinton-Massie HS; Allen Murphey, Pleasant Run MS; Patti Stone, Cleveland Elem
Grammar and the Teaching of Writing
Learn contemporary ways to blend writing and grammar instruction, including image grammar, cooperative grammar, and grammar in context. Consider and evaluate the role of grammar instruction and share strategies that work in the classroom. This class will meet online, except one day on Miami's campus – Friday, June 26.
Instructors: Mary Fuller, Miami University; Shannon Homoelle, Mason Intermediate; Linda Tatman, 7-12 certified
Teacher as Writer
In this intense writing workshop, teachers will practice writing in a variety of forms, genre, and styles; focus on building their own personal writing skills; prepare a publication piece, and enjoy sharing their writing with other professionals in their field. This class will meet online, except one day on Miami's campus – Tuesday, June 23.
Instructors: Tammy Bundy, Colerain HS; Kari Cooper, Bogan Elem
June 15 - June 25
(Mon–Thur, 8:30–3:00/3 credits each)
Multigenre Writing
Participants will immerse themselves in multigenre, reading grade-appropriate texts about multigenre, creating multigenre project themselves about topics they are passionate about, and exploring strategies and ideas to successfully teach multigenre writing. Workshop activities include daily writing, peer group work, individual writing conferences with instructors, pedagogical sessions to discuss theory and practice, participant presentations to celebrate their accomplishment, and a class publication.
Instructors: Tom Romano, Miami University; Angela Faulhaber, Colerain HS
Reading, Writing and Art
Teachers will read and write about integrating art into their classrooms in a variety of forms, genre, and styles. Workshop discussions and readings will consider ways art stimulates and enhances literacy. Participants will work with many OWP teacher leaders, practice age- and class -appropriate strategies for connecting art with reading and writing, and create their own classroom models.
Instructor: Meghan Lawson, Indian Hill MS; Jeri Meyer, Mason Intermediate, 4th grade
June 29 - July 9
(Mon – Thurs, 8:30-3:00/ 3 credits each)
Teaching and Writing Fiction
In this workshop teachers will develop their own narrative voices and storytelling skills as well as actively engage in creating assignments that will encourage their students to become accomplished storytellers. We will discuss how to design a creative writing curriculum that meets state standards, how to cultivate creative voice in both fiction and nonfiction writing, how to create a writing community within classrooms across all grade levels, and how to assess creative writing effectively.
Instructors: Eric Goodman, Miami University; Jill VanHimbergen, Milford HS
Reading, Writing, and Teaching a Global World
Teachers will explore a variety of approaches for bringing the international world into the classroom. This exploration will include looking closely at how we define ourselves and others in the world and how to foster connections with the international in classrooms. The focus will be on reading, writing, and learning with a transnational lense. Participants will read a range of texts including picture books, poetry, professional journal publications, and statement papers and write both informal and formal written responses. In this work, they will examine the purpose of connecting to the world beyond national borders and exchange practical ideas and strategies for classroom learning.
Instructors: Susan Morgan, Miami University; Beth Rimer, 7-12 certified
July 13 - July 23
(Mon–Thur, 8:30-3:00/3 credits each)
Children's Literature in the Writing Classroom
Teachers will practice writing in a variety of genres, building their own personal writing skills while exploring children’s literature as mentor texts. Some genres studied include poetry, informational text, fiction, memoir, as well as text structure, voice, description, character development, and focus.
Instructors: Michelle Lavey, Bradford Elem; Julie Veneman, Endeavor Elem
Critical Reading Strategies
We hear a lot about “critical thinking,” but what habits of mind actually constitute critical thinking? And how can we cultivate those habits in our students? Deeper answers to these apparently simple questions can transform the way we teach literature. By exploring celebrated texts for readers of all ages we will develop new ways to stimulate student inquiry, interest, and sophistication in our classes. Features of the workshop include daily writing time, sharing of teaching strategies, conferences, and an emphasis on developing practical techniques that can be implemented immediately.
Instructors: Christene Alfonsi, Talawanda HS; Tim Melley, Miami University