A few years ago, I discovered the Alternate History topic from John Warner’s “The Writer’s Practice,” and it changed my attitude towards teaching research. I realized conventional research databases wouldn’t work for this project, and I needed the work of the school’s librarian to develop materials for a new research method: lateral reading. This breakout session will be co-presented, and we will share our experience developing this novel project.
Session Materials:
Harro’s (2008) Cycle of Liberation offers a framework for planning interdisciplinary units combining literacy, writing, and social studies for transformational change. Anchored in historical or contemporary social movements, activities presented will guide students in exploring causes relevant to their lives. Participants will learn the relevance of the framework for organizing civic-minded interdisciplinary units to engage students.
Session Materials:
Making novel connections is what NCTE’s Build Your Stack® is all about! Join current and former committee members to explore tips for book selection, themed text sets, and using books to spark student writing. You’ll leave with fresh titles, creative ideas, and new ways to connect reading and writing in your classroom. Proposed Topics (ranked): 1. Thoughtful book selection 2. Using texts as a catalyst for writing 3. Thematic sets of books and classroom.
We are writing faculty seeking feedback on curriculum we are developing for a summer reading course for at-risk, newly admitted students at DePaul University. Here are the questions we’d like to explore with our audience: What models of Reading and Bridge programs have you seen succeed at teaching complex reading skills to struggling readers entering college? How do we integrate reading and writing so students see how these activities inform one another? What are effective ways of helping students branch out from their current interests to reading (and writing) across the curriculum? We welcome attendees to this Café Session, a moderated discussion between panelists seeking advice and audience members willing to share experiences and knowledge with the overall goal of learning more how best to help our at-risk students succeed.
Session Materials:
Notes:
We’re very motivated to hear your experience with college-bound, under-prepared students. What do they need to succeed?