PLL offers a variety of literacy courses that address foundational literacy information, current topics in research and practice, MTSS, and literacy coaching to name a few. We also can tailor courses to meet the needs of districts or schools. Our courses rotate throughout the year. To keep informed of what our offerings are, visit our website often or sign up for our email updates
Joy Write: Time, Choice, and Response for Developing Writers, K-8
Credit: 3 graduate credits from Saint Michael’s College
When: July 6, 2022 – August 16, 2022
Instructor: Ellen A. Thompson. Ed.D.
Location: Online – asynchronous
Intended Audience: Teachers of Students in Grades K – 8
Cost: $1,575 with 3 credits / $900 without credits (we can bill for either 2021-22 or 2022-23 school year)
This course is designed to take an in-depth look at writing instruction in the elementary classroom, K-8. Participants will read and reflect upon Joy Write: Cultivating High-Impact, Low-Stakes Writing, written by Ralph Fletcher while examining their own practices and the practices of other influential teachers of literacy. Participants will explore many ways to integrate the teaching of writing strategies into their existing or proposed instructional programs. This course will examine the set-up for a writers’ workshop as well as what is needed to teach and support student writers to become better writers as evidenced by classroom based and/or state assessments. Much discussion will be spent on how to teach writing within an atmosphere that has as its outcome students who not only can write, but students who choose to write! The use of multiple assessments to inform practice will be shared. Participants will be encouraged to share their own instructional successes and challenges in the area of writing development.
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Course Expectations:
This online course will require students to participate fully in all discussions. Small group work will be led by the groups, resulting in a sharing to the rest of the class. Staying current in the class work will be important to drive our learning from each other. It is important to let the instructor know if you need more time within a module before that module is due.
Required Text Materials:
* Joy Write: Cultivating High-Impact, Low-Stakes Writing, written by Ralph Fletcher, Heinemann, 2017
* A Teacher’s Guide to Writing Conferences, K-8, written by Carl Anderson, Heinemann, 2018.
* 1 choice book from: Poetry Matters, How Writers Work, Live Writing: Breathing Life into your Words, A Writer’s Notebook written by Ralph Fletcher
* Articles as provided by the instructor.
Course Design
Introductory Module (1): This module will help you get acquainted with your classmates while learning how to navigate the learning management system.
Learning Modules (4) : This course is designed around 4 learning modules. Each module requires reading, analysis and synthesis of new information, with a responsibility to add to and respond to others. Module descriptions with specific expectations will be posted prior to the start date of the next module. Modules are “released” one at a time. Each module will be completed within a 7 day window of time and due dates will be given for each module.
If you need more information prior to registering, please contact ellen.thompson@pllvt.org
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About Ellen Thompson
Young Adult Literature: Bringing relevant texts into our classrooms
Credit: 3 graduate credits from Saint Michael’s College
When: June 23, 2022 – August 11, 2022
Instructor: Sarah Miller, M.Ed.
Location: Online – asynchronous
Intended audience: Teachers of Students in Grades 7-10
Cost: $1,575 with 3 credits / $900 without credits (we can bill for either 2021-22 or 2022-23 school year)
Course Description: In this course, teachers will read and analyze current, relevant texts for young adult readers. It will address a range of genres, including historical fiction, realistic fiction, and nonfiction books that young adults read. Participants can expect books in verse, graphic novels, and prose. It is important to note that the young adult texts in this course contain material that includes but is not limited to discussions of race, sexuality, gender, and addiction. This course values engagement in both online discussion forums. There is an emphasis on practical applications of discussion and familiarity with current literature. Reading is a social act, and teachers will have the opportunity to engage with young adult text in a social as well as an analytical manner.
REGISTERThis fully online course will allow participants to understand that we can provide our young adult readers with a range of texts and an opportunity to engage with those texts in a variety of ways.
| Date | Reading and Online Discussion DUE |
| Thursday, June 23 – Thursday, June 30 | The Downstairs Girl |
| Thursday, June 30 – Thursday, July 7 | Hey, Kiddo |
| Thursday, July 7 – Thursday, July 13 | The Black Friend |
| Thursday, July 13 – Thursday, July 21 | Truly Devious |
| Thursday, July 21 – Thursday, July 28 | Far From the Tree |
| Thursday, July 28 – Thursday, August 4 | Choice |
Final Project: Design an instructional plan for what you will bring back to your classroom. Provide connections to the CCSS ELA Standards, which can include Speaking and Listening in addition to Reading Literature and Reading Information.
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FORMAT:
- Discussion forums, weekly
- Reflection and Instructional Applications:
How will you engage your students with current, relevant young adult texts? Develop an instructional plan that you can use.
What methods will you use in your classroom?
Which text resonated the most with you? You can consider your personal lens as a reader, or through the lens of a young adult reader.
If you need more information prior to registering, please contact: smiller@pllvt.org
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About: Sarah Miller
Middle Grade Literature: Bringing relevant texts into our classrooms
Credit: 3 graduate credits from Saint Michael’s College
When: Dates: June 22, 2022 – August 3, 2022
Instructor: Sarah Miller, M.Ed.
Location: Online – Wednesday 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Intended audience: Teachers of Students in Grades 5-8
Cost: $1,575 with 3 credits / $900 without credits (we can bill for either 2021-22 or 2022-23 school year)
Course Description: In this course, teachers will read and analyze current, relevant texts for middle grade readers. We will address a range of genres, including but not limited to historical fiction, realistic fiction, and nonfiction books that middle-graders read. Participants can expect to read books in verse, graphic novels, and prose. This course values engagement in both online discussion forums and participation in discussion protocols during virtual meetings. There is an emphasis on practical applications of book clubs, discussion protocols, and familiarity with current literature. Reading is a social act, and teachers will have the opportunity to engage with middle grade text in a social as well as an analytical manner.
This fully online course will allow participants to understand that we can provide our young readers with a range of texts and an opportunity to engage with those texts in a variety of ways. For participants, this includes weekly discussion forums and a Google Meet/Skype/ or Zoom to talk about new learning, how texts can be used in the classroom, and modeling of routines.
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Middle Grade Text Readings:
| Date | Reading and Online Discussion | ||||
| Wednesday, June 22 – Wednesday, June 29 | Show Me a Sign | ||||
| Wednesday, June 29 – Wednesday, July 6 | When the Stars are Scattered
The Joy of Reading TBD |
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| Wednesday, July 6 – Wednesday, July 13 | History Smashers: The American Revolution
The Joy of Reading TBD |
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| Wednesday, July 13- Wednesday, July 20 | The Parker Inheritance | ||||
| Wednesday, July 20 – Wednesday, July 27 | Starfish
The Joy of Reading TBD |
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| Wednesday, July 27 – Wednesday, August 3 | Choice
The Joy of Reading TBD |
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Additional Required Reading:
Final Project on August 3: Design an instructional plan for what you will bring back to your classroom. Provide connections to the CCSS ELA Standards, which can include Speaking and Listening in addition to Reading Literature and Reading Information.
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If you need more information prior to registering, please contact: smiller@pllvt.org
REGISTER
About: Sarah Miller