WNY YOUNG WRITER'S STUDIO
Fall 2013 Offerings
Welcome!
You'll find our current catalog of workshop offerings below. You may register for any session online by clicking on its title. Should you prefer to register by mail, you may do so at any time by completing the form available here.
Those who are interested in learning more about our organization or our teachers may visit our website. Studio is also on facebook and Twitter.
I hope you'll be writing with us this year!
Angela Stockman
Founder, WNY Young Writer's Studio
Fellowships for K-12 Writers and Teachers
Elementary Level Fellowship Program
Audience: Writers and Teachers of Writers Ages 5-11:
School-Year Sessions Only for Writers $100
All Sessions for Teachers are FREE--see drop down option as you register at link above
Studio fellows typically enjoy a year-long affiliation with our program and those who choose this option may enroll at any time.
Writers attend in order to study and produce powerful pieces of writing that influence real audiences. Teachers attend in order to define their own professional learning goals, connect with other professionals, and engage in lesson studies that deepen their understanding of promising practices. We learn and write and work together. Studio fellows are also supported through the publication process, and they are provided varied pathways for sharing their expertise within and beyond our community.
Teachers attend Studio at no cost. They must arrive at 8:30 am on our Studio meeting days, ahead of the children who attend. They are also required to attend an introductory session on one of the following dates prior to beginning the program in order to establish an action plan that will guide their inquiry work throughout their fellowship year. Support is provided for this type of planning.
- September 9th from 7-9 pm (if their fellowship begins in the fall of 2013)
- December 11th from 7-9 pm (if their fellowship begins in the winter of 2013 or spring of 2014)
- June 26, 2014 from 7-9 pm (if they plan to begin their fellowship in the summer of 2014)
All participants in the fellowship program will meet on the following Saturdays throughout the 2013-2014 school year from 9:00 am until noon (again, teachers must arrive at 8:30 am for all sessions). Year-long fellows can also plan to meet August 11th-15th during the summer of 2014.
*Those who choose to attend school year sessions only may do so at a reduced rate of tuition.
September 14th
October 12th
November 9th
December 14th
January 11th
February 8th
March 8th
April 12th
May 10th
June 14th
August 11-15, 2014
Secondary Level Fellowship Program
Audience: Writers and Teachers of Writers Ages 12-17:
School Year Sessions Only for Writers $100
TEACHERS are FREE--see drop down option as you register at link above.
Studio fellows typically enjoy a year-long affiliation with our program and those who choose this option may enroll at any time.
Writers attend in order to study and produce powerful pieces of writing that influence real audiences. Teachers attend in order to define their own professional learning goals, connect with other professionals, and engage in lesson studies that deepen their understanding of promising practices. We learn and write and work together. Studio fellows are also supported through the publication process, and they are provided varied pathways for sharing their expertise within and beyond our community.
Teachers attend Studio at no cost. They must arrive at 8:30 am on our Studio meeting days, ahead of the children who attend. They are also required to attend an introductory session on one of the following dates prior to beginning the program in order to establish an action plan that will guide their inquiry work throughout their fellowship year. Support is provided for this type of planning.
- September 9th from 7-9 pm (if their fellowship begins in the fall of 2013)
- December 11th from 7-9 pm (if their fellowship begins in the winter of 2013 or spring of 2014)
- June 26, 2014 from 7-9 pm (if they plan to begin their fellowship in the summer of 2014)
All participants in the fellowship program will meet on the following Saturdays throughout the 2013-2014 school year from 9:00 am until noon (again, teachers must arrive at 8:30 am for all sessions). Year-long fellows can also plan to meet August 11th-15th during the summer of 2014.
*Those who choose to attend school year sessions only may do so at a reduced rate of tuition.
September 14th
October 12th
November 9th
December 14th
January 11th
February 8th
March 8th
April 12th
May 10th
June 14th
August 11-15, 2014
ACADEMIC WRITING INTERVENTION: GRADES 3-8
Open to writers in grades 3-8, these sessions provide targeted support to those who struggle in the academic setting.
Our work together begins with a diagnostic assessment. This guides the development of an intervention plan that is responsive to each writer's specific needs. Measurable goals are set, and the work of each session supports the achievement of those goals. As writers engage in rich reading, critical thinking, and writing experiences, they will build a toolbox of strategies that will support their writing efforts in any content area. A post-assessment will be conducted in order to determine growth, and Studio teachers will work with parents to define a specific plan for sustaining each writer's development once their work with us has ended.
Sessions for writers in grades 3-6 are held on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Sessions for writers in grades 7-8 are held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Fifty minute sessions run from 4:00-4:50 pm or from 5:00-5:50 pm. The maximum group size is four.
Please choose the time slot you prefer as you complete the online registration process below. We will contact you directly to determine precise dates for your 14 sessions. Should you wish to register for more than 14 sessions, we can discuss pricing options at this time.
Register a Grades 3-6 Writer Here
Register a Grade 7-8 Writer Here
WORKSHOPS FOR WRITERS AGES 5-8
9/28 1:00-4:00 pm
Confidence is key to quality writing, and there is no better place to begin building it than in the earliest grades. This session will empower even our littlest writers to compose stories with a level of complexity that will inspire great pride. Finished products may be submitted for publication in our annual anthology.
$40
Hula, Honu, and Pele: Storytelling the Hawaiian Way
10/3 1:30-4:30 pm
Stories are made of words, and words are made of letters--did you know that the Hawaiian language only has 13 letters? In this afternoon workshop, we'll learn about the Hawaiian language and culture, and explore stories from Hawaii's past. Stories can be told with words, music, pictures or dance. We will create our own stories about our histories and find unique ways of expressing them. Workshop for K-6th graders will be taught by Kennedy Schultz of Explor-A-World LLC. $40
Read to Write: The Rainbow Fish
10/26 from 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Our littlest writers will learn how to compose a story like Marcus Pfister's popular children's tale,The Rainbow Fish. After reading and analyzing the text with support from Studio teachers, writers will map their own stories and draft completed tales that include a protagonist, a beginning, middle, end, problem, and solution. Pathways for publication will be provided as well, and writers will learn how to best connect with authentic audiences. CLOSED
Mini Myth Makers
10/26 from 1:00-4:00 pm
Mythology is a fundamental part of every person's heritage, and those who understand the purpose and function of myth grow to be powerful readers and writers. In this session, our littlest writers will become acquainted with a variety of popular myths, they will consider how and why they were created, and they will use what they learn to develop their own. Writing begins with drawing, and those who join us may choose to write in this way rather than using words alone. This makes the learning and the work of this session accessible to the very youngest of the writers we serve. CLOSED
12/4 1:30-4:30 pm
What holiday traditions do you follow? Did you know that the same holiday can be celebrated in many different ways? In this workshop, we will learn how familiar holidays are celebrated around the world in countries such as France, Italy, India, Germany and China. We will explore different languages and cultures through a variety of hands-on activities and writing, comparing world traditions with our own. Workshop for K-6th graders will be taught by Kennedy Schultz of Explor-A-World LLC. $40
WORKSHOPS FOR WRITERS AGES 9-12
8/8 1-4pm
Writing like your favorite author may not be as tricky as you think. Bring a copy of any favorite text to this session and learn how to write like the pros that you love. Then, learn how to connect to a global network of young fan fiction writers who can offer you sustained support. $40
9/28 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Back by popular demand, participants in this workshop will transform our Studio into a campground by building tents, drafting campfire stories, and sharing them while we toast marshmallows and make s'mores. Those who participated in our first Tents and Tales workshop are welcome to return, and they may bring their drafts to pursue revision! $40
Hula, Honu, and Pele: Storytelling the Hawaiian Way
10/3 1:30-4:30 pm
Stories are made of words, and words are made of letters--did you know that the Hawaiian language only has 13 letters? In this afternoon workshop, we'll learn about the Hawaiian language and culture, and explore stories from Hawaii's past. Stories can be told with words, music, pictures or dance. We will create our own stories about our histories and find unique ways of expressing them. Workshop for K-6th graders will be taught by Kennedy Schultz of Explor-A-World LLC. $40
11/23 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Rick Riordan, beloved author of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, the Olympians series and the Kane Chronicles has inspired thousands of young writers over the years. This session will empower Studio writers to read Riordan's works with a writer's eye and use what they discover to plan and begin drafting their own adventure quests. $40
Future Writing: Flash Forward to the Next Century
11/23 1:00-4:00 pm
What will the world be like 100 years from now? What conflicts will be facing? What advances will we have made? How will our communities and families live differently? What will we do for entertainment? How will technology serve us better? What kinds of clothes will we wear? What will matter most to us then?
Participants in this workshop will consider questions like these and use evidence to support their predictions. They will draft futuristic tales and engage in peer review designed to help them revise their thinking and their work prior to pursuing publication. $40
12/4 1:30-4:30 pm
What holiday traditions do you follow? Did you know that the same holiday can be celebrated in many different ways? In this workshop, we will learn how familiar holidays are celebrated around the world in countries such as France, Italy, India, Germany and China. We will explore different languages and cultures through a variety of hands-on activities and writing, comparing world traditions with our own. Workshop for K-6th graders will be taught by Kennedy Schultz of Explor-A-World LLC. $40
WORKSHOPS FOR WRITERS AGES 13-17
8/8 9am-noon
Inspired by your favorite YouTube personalities? Interested in starting your own video blog? Join us to learn more and get started. $40
8/22 9am-noon
Those who participate in this session will walk out the door with a blog of their own and a plan for sustaining solid blogging practices. Topics will include defining purposes, choosing platforms, connecting with an audience, writing posts worth reading, and being a good digital citizen. $40
8/22 1-4pm
Understanding how to establish and maintain a positive digital footprint is critical to every young writer's future success. This session will introduce writers to the ways in which they can leverage the social web for worthy and powerful purposes. Topics will include connecting with purpose, establishing a personal learning network, publishing, and digital portfolios. $40
8/6, 8/20 4:30-6:30pm
This multi-session workshop will provide support to writers who are interested in pursuing topics and genres of their own choosing. As they move through the writing process, they will a test a variety of strategies intended to improve their craft. All sessions will include opportunities for writers to ask for and receive high quality feedback on their work. $20
WORKSHOPS FOR ADULT WRITERS and TEACHERS
Potluck, Planning, Peer Review 6-8 pm
Open to K-12 ELA teachers and administrators, these monthly sessions provide time and space for lesson or unit planning, the exploration of promising practices, and opportunities for problem-solving. Bring your ideas, your resources, and a snack to pass. You'll enjoy breaking bread with some of the friendliest and hardest working teachers in the region. These sessions are free, but please be sure to register so we are prepared to include you! Monthly agendas are driven by the needs of the group.
9/26, 10/24, 11/21, 12/19, 1/16, 2/27, 3/27, 4/24, 5/22, 6/26
FREE
Writers are memory keepers, and their words take many forms. These sessions will provide support to those who write in order to preserve family or community history, the small moments of their daily lives, or portraits of the places that mean the most to them. Varied structures for approaching this kind of writing will be explored, and strategies for producing compelling memoirs and small moment stories will be shared.
These are adult sessions, open to writers from all walks of life over the age of 17.
9/24, 10/8, 10/22, and 11/5 $60
Microfiction: Power in Brevity
10/9 7-9pm
Participants in this session will explore the genre of microfiction. These are brief pieces, typically no longer than a page, that bring a single moment into sharp relief through the use of imagery and compelling detail. During this session, writers will consider the power of composing pieces that are this brief and often devoid of plot. As they begin drafting their own microfiction, they will consider how their work with this form could enrich their efforts with others. $40
11/18 9am-3pm
Join Learner Centered Initiatives Consultant and data expert Jennifer Borgioli as she helps participants define what healthy, productive "test prep" is in order to distinguish effective from less effective strategies. Unpack current research behind preparing students to do their best and explore how these practices can fit into existing practices. Participants will consider the impact of meta-cognition on student performance and learn practical strategies for supporting this work upon returning to their classrooms. Time for questions and answers will be provided, as well as opportunities for participants to make connections to their own circumstances and needs.
Audience: This session is ideal for K-12 administrators, instructional coaches, teachers, board of education members, and parents.
Lunch: Participants may bring their own lunches, menus will be provided for those who choose to order in, or you may plan to go out to one of our local restaurants from 12:00-1:00 pm. Morning refreshments will be served.
Registration Fee Structures: Participants may register individually at a cost of $140, while teams may register up to four participants for $400. Please select the option that best meets your district's needs.
Sustaining the Six Shifts: Lesson Study
9/24 9am-3pm
Lesson study is a professional development protocol adapted from the work of Japanese educators. It enables small groups of teachers, administrators, and even students to design, review, observe, analyze, and refine authentic units and lessons. During lesson study, the effectiveness of a lesson is assessed. The focus is not a single teacher's practice or performance but rather, on the way that a collaboratively designed lesson or unit performs in service to learners.
Angela Stockman began testing this approach widely in local school districts during the spring of 2011. She found that it significantly reduced the anxiety that often accompanied other professional development approaches, including event-based workshops and one-on-one instructional coaching. This fostered other critical shifts in mind-set relevant to instruction, formative assessment practices, facilitating change in an era of high accountability, professional learning, and growth versus compliance.
Participants in this session will be introduced to lesson study protocols, tools, and processes. They will consider how this professional learning model can help administrators and teachers meet the demands of the Race to the Top reform agenda in healthy ways that increase job satisfaction, and they will be provided support as they begin sketching action plans that can make their unique vision for this work a reality.
Audience: This session is ideal for K-12 administrators, instructional coaches, and interested teachers.
Lunch: Participants may bring their own lunches, menus will be provided for those who choose to order in, or you may plan to go out to one of our local restaurants from 12:00-1:00 pm. Morning refreshments will be served.
Registration Fee Structures: Participants may register individually at a cost of $140, while teams may register up to four participants for $400. Please select the option that best meets your district's needs.
Driven by Data or Informed by Inquiry?
10/15 9am-3pm
The New York State Metrics and Expectations document articulates outcomes that districts are compelled to achieve in their efforts to comply with Race to the Top mandates. Those who pursue these outcomes by treating each of the five domains as separate entities quickly find themselves overwhelmed in the face of competing initiatives which often serve to confuse those who are most effected by them. This session challenges participants to consider the potential for inquiry teams to center and strategically fuel the work of reform. Those who attend will establish a vision for the culture they hope to create within their schools. They will unpack the Metrics and Expectations document and align their efforts to meet these demands in ways that their serve vision while maximizing work flow and increasing job satisfaction. They will also explore strategies for increasing confidence in the quality of the data they are using and the processes by which they make meaning from it. Participants will leave with new understandings and questions to pursue regarding what it means to be informed by inquiry rather than driven by data.
Audience: This session is ideal for K-12 administrators, instructional coaches, and interested teachers.
Lunch: Participants may bring their own lunches, menus will be provided for those who choose to order in, or you may plan to go out to one of our local restaurants from 12:00-1:00 pm. Morning refreshments will be served.
Registration Fee Structures: Participants may register individually at a cost of $140, while teams may register up to four participants for $400. Please select the option that best meets your district's needs.
Serving Struggling Writers: Primary Level Teachers
11/12 9am-3pm
OR
Serving Struggling Writers: Intermediate Level Teachers
12/11 9am-3pm
Teaching writing is a daunting task, and when we're called upon to serve writers who struggle, our work becomes far more complex and the choices we make that much more critical. Participants in these sessions will consider varied strategies for assessing the needs and the growth of all writers. They will share their own expertise and explore a variety of powerful practices that have been widely tested in local classrooms. These discoveries will help them chart courses of action that will guide their efforts to serve struggling writers with increasing success.
Audience: These are two separate sessions. The 11/12 session is ideal for PreK-2 administrators, instructional coaches, and interested teachers. The 12/11 session is ideal for Grades 3-5 educators.
Lunch: Participants may bring their own lunches, menus will be provided for those who choose to order in, or you may plan to go out to one of our local restaurants from 12:00-1:00 pm. Morning refreshments will be served.
Registration Notes: Participants may register individually for either workshop at a cost of $140, while teams may register up to four participants for $400. Please select the option that best meets your district's needs.
*Please note: Similar sessions will be offered for middle school teachers on March 13, 2014 and for high school teachers on March 14, 2013. Click on either session if you wish to register early.
Registration Reminders
Anyone who prefers to mail their registration may also download and mail this form at any time, with a check made payable to the WNY Young Writer's Studio. Please send your registration to the following address:
94 McKinley Avenue
Kenmore, New York 14217
Confirmation of registration will be sent upon receipt, along with a welcome letter and required permission and consent forms. These must be completed and brought to our session.
REGISTRATION FOR EACH SESSION CLOSES SEVEN DAYS PRIOR TO THE SESSION.
Walk-in registration may be available for all sessions. Please contact Angela Stockman at 716-418-3730 to check availability if you wish to register after the closing date.
Elsewhere on the Web
Email: stockmanangela@gmail.com
Website: http://wnyyws.org
Location: 3062 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, NY
Phone: 716-418-3730
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272910406027/
Twitter: @WNYYWS