Choice Lit Topic: Conferring
The teachable moment is what we live for – is there anything more magic than reaching a reader or writer with exactly the right words at exactly the right time? We’ve bottled some of that magic in the resources that follow, with print guidelines and scores of video examples from master teachers.
Results
Prompting and Support
Mandy Robek demonstrates the strategies of teach, prompt, and reinforce when conferring with kindergartner Jeri.
Conferring with Ben: Brainstorming Writing Topics and Genres
Katherine Sokolowski helps fifth grader Ben brainstorm ideas for writing, and in the process encourages him to try a new genre.
Tweeting a Favorite Author
Katherine Sokolowski helps her fifth-grade student Tyler send a tweet to a favorite author.
Conferring with Zack
Beth Honeycutt confers with eighth grader Zack about his latest reading choice.
Listen In: Magnifying a Moment in Writing
Sometimes using a prop can help young students understand a revision strategy. Heather Rader helps second grader Sammi understand how to "magnify" a moment when revising her writing.
The Compliment Conference
Camilla sorts her book bag, and a frown stretches across her face as she slides books out and tosses them to the side. Her shoulders slump, and she looks out...
Kindergarten Reading Conference: Building Confidence
Mikey was my second reading conference, and before I had settled in, he had an urgent need. He needed to tell me he couldn’t read the book he had self-selected....
Risk and All
“You’re killing me,” said Kacie. She sat across from me in my office. Pale complexion, freckles, thick orange shoulder-length hair. She wore gray sweats, one leg tucked beneath her. She...
Conferring Over “Finished” Writing
Ruth Ayres confers with fifth grader Grant over the delicate topic of making changes to a "finished" piece.
Making Home Connections While Conferring
Ruth Ayres meets with Zoey, a quiet writer who is drawn into the conversation through family stories and a mentor text with vivid illustrations.
Conferring with Jeri in Kindergarten
Independent reading provides the indispensable practice that literacy learners require to become successful, self-regulating, self-monitoring readers. Regie Routman Jeri was my third reading conference for the day. I learned...
A Thesis Statement: Conferring with Connor
Ruth Ayres confers with sixth grader Connor about a thesis statement for an essay.
Beginning a Novel with Close Reading
Aimee Buckner helps a fourth-grade boy tease out emerging themes in the first pages of the novel Morning Girl.
From Strengths to Revision: Conferring with Connor
Karen Terlecky confers with Connor in her fifth-grade classroom. She demonstrates how to begin with strengths, and build to revision suggestions.
Restarting a Writing Draft in Fourth Grade
Beth Lawson confers with Michael, who needs to restart his writing draft.
“How Can I Help?” Conference
Ruth Ayres helps a fourth grader reflect on whether she is finished with her personal narrative, and how Ruth might assist her.
Conferring with Boys in Sixth Grade
Katie Doherty confers with boys in her sixth-grade reading workshop. This is the second installment in a two-part video series.
Conferring with Boys in Middle School
Katie Doherty circulates for quick conferences with boys about their independent reading in her sixth-grade classroom.
Adding Dialogue to Writing: Conferring with Sam
Karen Terlecky confers with Sam about adding dialogue to writing in her fifth-grade classroom.
Using a Strategy Card in a Reading Conference
Deb Gaby confers with second grader Reagan early in the school year. She is reading her first chapter book, and using a reading strategies "tool kit" for support.
Conferring with Sebastian: Independent Reading in First Grade
Katie DiCesare confers with first grader Sebastian. Sebastian is an early reader who loves characters and adventure. Katie helps Sebastian prepare to talk with his peers about a new series he is enjoying.
