Implementation Testimonial 2011-2012
Here is a brief note recently received from a 2011 summer regional course participant who is strategically introducing the program to various grade levels this year. This school has chosen to host the course on-site this summer for full-school implementation 2012-2013:
I was given thirty minutes a week in first and second grade, forty-five minutes once a week in third and fourth, and forty-five minutes twice a week (but only one quarter) for fifth grade. My goal was to: introduce one genre/revision skill a quarter to 1-4 grades, get the students excited about writing, and get the teachers behind the program. To that end, Writer’s Stylus has been a huge success! In fifth grade, I only have students for one quarter—I take two of their library days during the quarter they have library. In that class, I introduce six genres and one revision skill. The students choose one genre in which to write and we spend the rest of the quarter pre-writing and revising. It has been AMAZING! The students love writing and classroom teachers are already noticing improvement. Even better, many teachers have requested instruction…
Testimonials: Summer 2011
In what ways has Writer’s Stylus energized you, encouraging your own learning, growth, and improvement?
This course improved my writing, energized me for the next school year, and made me want to learn more.
It has me excited about teaching writing by incorporating mechanics instead of [teaching them] separately.
It has made me aware of good writing by giving me examples.
It gives methods on how to teach writing; it applies all that grammar!
I love how structured and encouraging the program is.
I enjoyed seeing how much my own paper improved after coaching and revising.
I was able to participate as a learner, understanding better what helped me write more effectively.
I have rediscovered my own love of writing and cannot wait to convey this enthusiasm.
It gave me fresh insight into why teaching writing is so important.
It made me want to become a better writer so that I can, in turn, better help my students.
Writer’s Stylus has energized me to write more with my students and has given me the tools to know how to write. Wow! The training has been great.
Writer’s Stylus has equipped me with identifying the key revision skills essential to developing good writers.
I wish that I had received your instruction while a student myself.
The freshness of this approach in teaching composition is energizing.
I’m motivated to write more for my own growth and learning!
What new ideas have you gained from the Writer’s Stylus course?
The development of a vision statement and its usefulness
The necessity of steps when working through revisions
The assessment standards for coaching
Focusing on one revision skill at a time
The connection of mechanics to actual writing
It is a less nebulous process than I’ve always thought it to be.
I now view revision as a key element in the writing process.
People learn better when they write well.
Revision isn’t proofreading.
I have to be exposed to many new writing skills that I hope to teach.
Begin with authentic praise and end on a positive note while coaching.
How does Writer’s Stylus fit with your organization’s vision, values, and purpose?
This program builds…gives us the resources we need to make our students independent writers and revisers.
The way it follows a progression from grade to grade and across the curriculum…The goal of helping the student write and self-edit is awesome.
We want students who can communicate effectively through writing, and this program is guiding us in that direction.
We hope to provide students with the skills they need for college and beyond.
Teach by guiding and supporting, not by telling and grading.
Writer’s Stylus will ensure all students get the individual attention they need…
…Writer’s Stylus methods treat each child with value and care, preparing them for their best.
Writer’s Stylus is a nice fit for my vision and purpose as an English teacher…I want to develop students who think as they write.
It fits well into our school’s commitment to provide the best instruction possible, even if that means changing the way we have always done it.
Preparing students to communicate effectively is part of of our overall vision, so Writer’s Stylus is a perfect fit!
What additional services and/or tools could Clerestory Learning provide that would assist you and/your organization in successfully implementing Writer’s Stylus?
Many, many samples of writing
Completed rubrics is a gift already!
Passages for reading and revising.
Love the website!
Brief pieces of literature from various genres
Any kind of visuals that can be used in the classroom, such as rubrics or revision skills in poser form could be helpful.
A blog [forum] for teachers to discuss successful strategies.
Writing samples from students who have gone through the program
What additional thoughts regarding your Writer’s Stylus course experience would you like us to know?
I feel valued and significant. I believe I can improve my own writing now with clarity.
Excellent course! The training was thorough and helpful.
I truly enjoyed Writer’s Stylus. It was an enlightening experience that allowed me to view writing instruction in a new way.
…designed for success.
Exemplary training! Thank you!
Love your enthusiasm and passion for writing/teaching others to write!
The class included many hands-on activities which works well for visual learners like myself.
Your passion about writing…great writing, made me want to learn about it and become a better writer.
Thank you for your sincere enthusiasm and endless patience.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the challenge it has set before me. I am anticipating good things!