Comments from Teachers at the 2014 Demonstration Labs in Ripon
These couple of weeks have been magnificent! The most dramatic recollections I have are the Real-World Writing Purposes and the writing examples provided by the students and the author. To quote Kelly Gallagher: “In teaching our students how to write, we must provide them with authentic modeling – modeling that comes from both the teacher and from real-world texts.” - Adriana Alvarez
“Wow! Writing ideas, motivating strategies, and golden moments with the students dance in my brain! Writing is certainly not dull, and I notice the student excitement generating wonderful, thoughtful writing.” -Barbara Damewood
“It was rewarding to share in what the students wondered about, what they discovered, and the writing process that resulted from the awe of learning.” -Julia G.
“Wow! Writing ideas, motivating strategies, and golden moments with the students dance in my brain! Writing is certainly not dull, and I notice the student excitement generating wonderful, thoughtful writing.” -Barbara Damewood
“It was rewarding to share in what the students wondered about, what they discovered, and the writing process that resulted from the awe of learning.” -Julia G.
Participating in this GVWP Demo Lab has motivated me ways to incorporate more writing opportunities for my students. I also have grown more confident in my ability to use technology as an avenue to enhance the writing experience. Currently, I am teaching kindergarten and I plan to have my students use the TYPING CLUB program to expose the kindergarteners to key placement. In addition, I plan to use more mentor text and model my thinking out loud as I write in front of my students. After analyzing the past school year, I realized that my students had a lot of non-fiction writing assignments, but I need to give them a chance to write about themselves, their likes and dislikes. I also am really excited about allowing more time for drawings to generate more ideas. The most important thing I learned from this lab is that I will now respond to the writer versus the writing. - Liz Covarrubias
This workshop has helped me get ready for a new job in middle school language arts. GVWP has given me the tools to be confident in my new curriculum. - Jack Newell
This workshop has helped me get ready for a new job in middle school language arts. GVWP has given me the tools to be confident in my new curriculum. - Jack Newell
Everything was worthwhile in the "Wonders" Implantation Lab. I learned how to guide my students through the process of writing a nonfiction informative or explanatory text on something they were wondering about. Students selected a 'wonder' they were curious to find out more about, then they collected information on their wonder by reading nonfiction books and internet information. This research allowed them to write a piece to inform their readers. Through mini-lessons on "How to Choose or Change a Topic" to "How to Use 'Wow!' Words," students were engaged in the process of nonfiction writing. - Cassie Gregory
“Writing well does not begin with teaching students how to write; it begins with teaching students why they should write,” according to Kelly Gallagher. This is my second summer taking GVWP Demo Labs, it’s an amazing hands-on writing class! I am thankful for all the great ideas and strategies shared, which can be easily integrated in the classroom. - Hilda Gutierrez
“The Great Valley Writing Project has given me writing strategies to implement in my first grade classroom. I am excited to start the school year with new writing strategies that will engage all learners.” -Nicole Harp
Participating in the GVWP Implementation lab has inspired me in more ways than one! The program has equipped me with some strategies to help my third graders write creatively and develop the content of their expository writing. Throughout the 2013-2014 school year, I chose to make paragraph structure a strong focus during writing instruction. Consequently, my students produced very clear and concise 5-7 sentence paragraphs which, while structured with precision, were rather stilted and lacked “voice.” This workshop, and the text, A Place for Wonder, is chock full of ideas intended to encourage students to write driven by their own curiosity about the natural world, and I am amazed by the both the volume of writing the GVWP students have produced and the uniqueness of their work. In addition, I am honored to be working alongside such a highly motivated and talented group of teachers as they model excellence working with students. I will certainly retain and use these tools and experiences during the upcoming school year. -Becky Head
Being able to participate in the GVWP has been very rewarding. I have learned so many new strategies and techniques that I can take with me back to my classroom. I am eager to try out what I have learned with my own students. The collaboration time among all the participating teachers is very productive and helpful. It has helped me see writing in a new and exciting light, and I can’t wait to transmit that to my students. -Yolanda Reynoso Jimenez
“I am so excited to incorporate more science into my writing program. I loved working and researching with the approaching 2nd graders. They were able to take a wonder question and find the answer and subsequently publish by the 4th day! So much fun!” -Michelle LaRossa
I was excited to return to the GVWP Demo Lab for a second year. I learned even more about the writing process and integrating technology into my classroom than I did last year. The instructors introduced us to modern and innovative ways to invite students to write creatively and constructively. - Nichole Meyer
“After seeing student evidence from participation in GVWP, I am excited to learn and experience the strategies involved so that all my students can become successful writers.” -J. Nelson
Attending this workshop and reading the book, A Place for Wonder, has inspired me to transform my classroom into a "Place for Wonder" next year. I have truly enjoyed watching the students become engaged in researching their own wonders and then writing about them. All of the hands-on activities and observations have created a genuine excitement and interest in the process of learning and writing for these children. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to attend this workshop, and am looking forward to implementing the many ideas, activities, and lessons into my own classroom. - Shelly Raichel
I feel inspired by the many new tools I have learned through the GVWP Demo Lab. I love having the opportunity to observe, practice, and debrief each day on the new techniques and daily reading. - Shanti Pinedo
“Writing well does not begin with teaching students how to write; it begins with teaching students why they should write,” according to Kelly Gallagher. This is my second summer taking GVWP Demo Labs, it’s an amazing hands-on writing class! I am thankful for all the great ideas and strategies shared, which can be easily integrated in the classroom. - Hilda Gutierrez
“The Great Valley Writing Project has given me writing strategies to implement in my first grade classroom. I am excited to start the school year with new writing strategies that will engage all learners.” -Nicole Harp
The GVWP Implementation lab is a melding of minds to educate children in the art of writing. I was awestruck by the level of talented teachers in the classroom. What a great way to hone our craft. - Susan Judson
I feel inspired by the many new tools I have learned through the GVWP Demo Lab. I love having the opportunity to observe, practice, and debrief each day on the new techniques and daily reading. - Shanti Pinedo
“Writing well does not begin with teaching students how to write; it begins with teaching students why they should write,” according to Kelly Gallagher. This is my second summer taking GVWP Demo Labs, it’s an amazing hands-on writing class! I am thankful for all the great ideas and strategies shared, which can be easily integrated in the classroom. - Hilda Gutierrez
“The Great Valley Writing Project has given me writing strategies to implement in my first grade classroom. I am excited to start the school year with new writing strategies that will engage all learners.” -Nicole Harp
The GVWP Implementation lab is a melding of minds to educate children in the art of writing. I was awestruck by the level of talented teachers in the classroom. What a great way to hone our craft. - Susan Judson
Even after participating in many years of Workshop, I wait all year to be able to come again the next summer! Collaborating with other teachers reinforces strategies and learning for me to bring into my own classroom. Being able to work with small groups of students is a joy. I go back to my classroom the next year rejuvenated and ready to share my excitement with the students. - Robin Alexander
Everything was worthwhile in the "Wonders" Implantation Lab. I learned how to guide my students through the process of writing a nonfiction informative or explanatory text on something they were wondering about. Students selected a 'wonder' they were curious to find out more about, then they collected information on their wonder by reading nonfiction books and internet information. This research allowed them to write a piece to inform their readers. Through mini-lessons on "How to Choose or Change a Topic" to "How to Use 'Wow!' Words," students were engaged in the process of nonfiction writing. - Cassie Gregory
Having been part of this implementation lab has created, for me, anticipation and excitement to return to my classroom in the fall and continue these great writing models all year. I have been inspired to implement new strategies and ideas to teach my students more great writing concepts. It was phenomenal to see the level of engagement of students, and to have great teacher collaboration. - Erica Valencia
Being able to participate in the GVWP has been very rewarding. I have learned so many new strategies and techniques that I can take with me back to my classroom. I am eager to try out what I have learned with my own students. The collaboration time among all the participating teachers is very productive and helpful. It has helped me see writing in a new and exciting light, and I can’t wait to transmit that to my students. -Yolanda Reynoso Jimenez
Participating in this GVWP Demo Lab has provided me with a greater understanding of using technology with writing. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about Google Docs and Kid Blog. Writing is such a challenging area for students, as well as teachers, and I am eager to return to my classroom with a newly-found appreciation for this subject. I am finally excited about writing and I can't wait to share these new ideas with my students and fellow teachers. - Bridgette Sheldon
These couple of weeks have been magnificent! The most dramatic recollections I have are the Real-World Writing Purposes and the writing examples provided by the students and the author. To quote Kelly Gallagher: “In teaching our students how to write, we must provide them with authentic modeling – modeling that comes from both the teacher and from real-world texts.” - Adriana Alvarez
This is my second year participating as a mentor here at the GVWP Demo lab. Again, my group of students have amazed me with the amount of creativity and imagination they put into their writing. I really enjoy these two weeks and and am excited to use many of the lessons in my own classroom! - Casey Conner
Overall, this has been an informative process; working with students in the morning and interacting with my fellow teachers about writing curriculum has given me ideas that I am excited to implement in my classroom. I feel that when I conclude my time with the GVWP, I will have a wealth of curriculum ideas that will not only invigorate me, but breath new life into my students as they improve their reading and writing skills. - Adam Russell
Everything was worthwhile in the "Wonders" Implantation Lab. I learned how to guide my students through the process of writing a nonfiction informative or explanatory text on something they were wondering about. Students selected a 'wonder' they were curious to find out more about, then they collected information on their wonder by reading nonfiction books and internet information. This research allowed them to write a piece to inform their readers. Through mini-lessons on "How to Choose or Change a Topic" to "How to Use 'Wow!' Words," students were engaged in the process of nonfiction writing. - Cassie Gregory
Having been part of this implementation lab has created, for me, anticipation and excitement to return to my classroom in the fall and continue these great writing models all year. I have been inspired to implement new strategies and ideas to teach my students more great writing concepts. It was phenomenal to see the level of engagement of students, and to have great teacher collaboration. - Erica Valencia
Being able to participate in the GVWP has been very rewarding. I have learned so many new strategies and techniques that I can take with me back to my classroom. I am eager to try out what I have learned with my own students. The collaboration time among all the participating teachers is very productive and helpful. It has helped me see writing in a new and exciting light, and I can’t wait to transmit that to my students. -Yolanda Reynoso Jimenez
Participating in this GVWP Demo Lab has provided me with a greater understanding of using technology with writing. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about Google Docs and Kid Blog. Writing is such a challenging area for students, as well as teachers, and I am eager to return to my classroom with a newly-found appreciation for this subject. I am finally excited about writing and I can't wait to share these new ideas with my students and fellow teachers. - Bridgette Sheldon
These couple of weeks have been magnificent! The most dramatic recollections I have are the Real-World Writing Purposes and the writing examples provided by the students and the author. To quote Kelly Gallagher: “In teaching our students how to write, we must provide them with authentic modeling – modeling that comes from both the teacher and from real-world texts.” - Adriana Alvarez
This is my second year participating as a mentor here at the GVWP Demo lab. Again, my group of students have amazed me with the amount of creativity and imagination they put into their writing. I really enjoy these two weeks and and am excited to use many of the lessons in my own classroom! - Casey Conner
Overall, this has been an informative process; working with students in the morning and interacting with my fellow teachers about writing curriculum has given me ideas that I am excited to implement in my classroom. I feel that when I conclude my time with the GVWP, I will have a wealth of curriculum ideas that will not only invigorate me, but breath new life into my students as they improve their reading and writing skills. - Adam Russell
As someone who is new to the teaching profession, I value the knowledge and practical techniques shared in the Demo Lab sessions. The GVWP leaders are current teachers who have many practical ideas to share with the group. - Irene Munguia
The GVWP Demo Lab has provided me with so many strategies to use in my classroom. I am excited to start school and incorporate everything I have learned... -Kathy Skochko
This workshop has helped me get ready for a new job in middle school language arts. GVWP has given me the tools to be confident in my new curriculum. - Jack Newell
“The GVWP has allowed me to see students excitement in wondering, discovering, and implementing writing. It has given me useful strategies to take back to my 1st grade classroom.” -Leslie Clark
“The Great Valley Writing Project has given me writing strategies to implement in my first grade classroom. I am excited to start the school year with new writing strategies that will engage all learners.” -Nicole Harp
“It has been a few years since I have worked with the GVWP. Coming back to this group has been a rewarding experience and a renewal in my passion for writing in the classroom. Working on science, technology, and writing together has enabled me to match many Common Core and State Standards together in multiple lessons. Combining this with working and learning from fellow teachers has made this implementation lab a rewarding experience. -Amber Wethern
The GVWP Demo Lab has provided me with so many strategies to use in my classroom. I am excited to start school and incorporate everything I have learned... -Kathy Skochko
This workshop has helped me get ready for a new job in middle school language arts. GVWP has given me the tools to be confident in my new curriculum. - Jack Newell
“The GVWP has allowed me to see students excitement in wondering, discovering, and implementing writing. It has given me useful strategies to take back to my 1st grade classroom.” -Leslie Clark
“The Great Valley Writing Project has given me writing strategies to implement in my first grade classroom. I am excited to start the school year with new writing strategies that will engage all learners.” -Nicole Harp
“It has been a few years since I have worked with the GVWP. Coming back to this group has been a rewarding experience and a renewal in my passion for writing in the classroom. Working on science, technology, and writing together has enabled me to match many Common Core and State Standards together in multiple lessons. Combining this with working and learning from fellow teachers has made this implementation lab a rewarding experience. -Amber Wethern