Read by Example

In this recorded webinar, we dove into how coaches and instructional leaders can use a notebook as a powerful tool to stay organized and focused in their practice. Drawing from personal experience and popular methodologies like Bullet Journaling and Getting Things Done, this episode explores the benefits of “notebooking” to boost productivity, reduce stress, and enhance our abilities. We discussed practical strategies for capturing key ideas, clarifying tasks, and facilitating reflection.

Watch as we cover:

• The concept of a coach’s notebook as a second brain

• How to use symbols, lists, and timelines to organize events and tasks

• The role of notebooks in reducing stress and fostering mindfulness

• Real-world examples of how notebooking supports both personal and professional growth

Whether you’re a veteran coach or new to the role, a “Big C” or “Little C” coach, this episode provides actionable tips to help you streamline your work and maintain clarity amidst the many demands of coaching.

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com

In this professional conversation, I speak with educational consultant Vivian Chen.

Vivian is a former classroom teacher and coach, and now supports literacy educators independently.

She organizes her work life using a free tool called Notion (notion.so) for a variety of tasks:

* Building a database to plan her days and projects.

* Organizing her business information.

* Capturing her coaching conversations with clients.

Vivian shares a number of ideas any educator could apply to their own practice.

(To connect with Vivian, go to LearnWithVivian.com for more information.)

Recommended Resources

* Definitely check out the video archive of this conversation, as Vivian offers a peak into her Notion system.

* I am halfway through my declutter! I’m writing a little bit every day about my experience in avoiding social technologies in this thread. I am also posting these daily reflections in this pop-up blog I created for easier readability.

* While I am rereading the source of the digital declutter, Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport, I am pairing it with Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond Productivity Culture by Jenny Odell (affiliate links). I’ll be sharing the connections I am making between the two texts during the second half of my declutter.

* This episode was recorded in June - no July conversation for full subscribers due to my digital declutter this month. Stay tuned for upcoming professional learning opportunities starting in August. Readers shared a variety of topics ripe for discussion:

* Planning for effective professional development, including finding time to learn with colleagues

* Responding to student behaviors

* Authentic application of curriculum resources

* Balancing external expectations while meeting students where they are

* Navigating different philosophies of literacy instruction

* Being a critical consumer of SoR-related information

What else is on your mind that you would like to discuss? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Take care,

Matt

P.S. Another topic that came up is getting into classrooms and supporting teaching and learning. You can start now on your learning journey with my latest book, the companion playbook, and my new course (playbook included).

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com

In this conversation, Matt Glover, former teacher and principal, now a full-time writer and consultant, and I discuss his book, How to Become a Better Writing Teacher, co-authored with Carl Anderson (Heinemann, 2024)

Key Highlights from Conversation

Author’s Background

* Matt Glover's experience as a first-grade teacher, assistant principal, and principal of a large early childhood school.

* Shifted interest towards teaching writing, influenced by colleagues and educational leaders like Carl Anderson and Katie Wood Ray.

Importance of Teaching Writing

* Glover’s interest in how children compose and think.

* Emphasis on the importance of teaching writing from an early age.

* Discussion on the role of equity in teaching writing, ensuring all students can express their thoughts regardless of language and transcription skills.

Engagement and Choice in Writing

* The impact of choice (topic and genre) on student engagement.

* Strategies for supporting meaningful choice in the classroom to enhance engagement.

* The correlation between engagement and achievement in writing.

Building Confidence in Young Writers

* The significance of building students' confidence as writers.

* Techniques such as using children as mentors in writing conferences.

* The positive effects of showcasing less confident writers as mentors.

Effective Writing Instruction Practices

* The role of teacher's own writing in the instructional process.

* The power of peer partnerships and long-term student collaborations.

* Practical strategies for conferring with students and asking empowering questions like "What are you making?" and "What have you done well as a writer?"

Evolving Writing Units

* Incorporating modern forms of writing like podcasts and TED Talks into the curriculum.

* Glover’s perspective on the cautious use of AI in teaching writing.

* The importance of maintaining authenticity in teacher-created writing samples.

Advice for Teachers

* Start with one action or strategy from the book and work on it incrementally.

* Utilize the assessment tools provided in the book to personalize and guide instructional improvements.

* Commit to long-term growth and incremental learning rather than trying to overhaul teaching practices all at once.

Interested in learning more?

* Check out the two-day online institute for the book, co-facilitated by Matt Glover and Carl Anderson in July. Register with Heinemann here.

* Watch our conversation with Carl Anderson to kick of this book study here.

* To integrate more authentic assessment in your writing instruction, I humbly recommend my book on digital portfolios. it is a powerful approach for engaging and empowering students as writers and learners.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com

In this engaging conversation with educators Vivian Chen, Debra Crouch, and Jared Kubota, we discuss the second half of How to Become a Better Writing Teacher by Carl Anderson and Matt Glover. The conversation revolves around practical insights, challenges, and strategies from the book that can transform writing instruction in classrooms.

Key Discussion Points

Book Selection and Initial Impressions

* Matt shares why he selected this book for the discussion.

* Guests discuss their initial reactions and the impact of the book on their teaching practices.

Challenges of Implementing the Workshop Model

* Discussion on the complexities and benefits of the workshop model in writing instruction.

* Vivian Chen highlights the importance of organizational skills and tools to manage the workshop's moving parts.

Effective Use of Mentor Texts

* Debra Crouch talks about the importance of selecting relevant and effective mentor texts.

* The value of immersing students in high-quality writing examples to enhance their understanding.

Conferring with Students

* Jared Kubota shares insights on the value of student conferences and the importance of personalized feedback.

* Strategies for balancing conferences in dual-language classrooms.

Building Trust through Partnerships

* The significance of keeping writing partnerships stable over time to build trust and enhance feedback quality.

* Matt and Debra discuss the balance between long-term partnerships and varied feedback sources.

Integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

* Jared emphasizes the integration of SEL within writing workshops.

* Techniques for teaching students how to give and receive feedback constructively.

Tips for Educators

* Practical tips from the book that can be implemented immediately in the classroom.

* Guests share their favorite strategies and how they plan to use them in their teaching.

Reflections and Closing Thoughts

* Guests reflect on their learning journey and the book's impact on their professional growth.

* Final thoughts and appreciation for the collaborative discussion.

This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking practical strategies to improve their writing instruction and create a more engaging and effective learning environment for their students.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com

In this engaging conversation with educators Vivian Chen, Debra Crouch, and Jared Kubota, we discuss the second half of How to Become a Better Writing Teacher by Carl Anderson and Matt Glover. The conversation revolves around practical insights, challenges, and strategies from the book that can transform writing instruction in classrooms.

Key Discussion Points

Book Selection and Initial Impressions

* Matt shares why he selected this book for the discussion.

* Guests discuss their initial reactions and the impact of the book on their teaching practices.

Challenges of Implementing the Workshop Model

* Discussion on the complexities and benefits of the workshop model in writing instruction.

* Vivian Chen highlights the importance of organizational skills and tools to manage the workshop's moving parts.

Effective Use of Mentor Texts

* Debra Crouch talks about the importance of selecting relevant and effective mentor texts.

* The value of immersing students in high-quality writing examples to enhance their understanding.

Conferring with Students

* Jared Kubota shares insights on the value of student conferences and the importance of personalized feedback.

* Strategies for balancing conferences in dual-language classrooms.

Building Trust through Partnerships

* The significance of keeping writing partnerships stable over time to build trust and enhance feedback quality.

* Matt and Debra discuss the balance between long-term partnerships and varied feedback sources.

Integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

* Jared emphasizes the integration of SEL within writing workshops.

* Techniques for teaching students how to give and receive feedback constructively.

Tips for Educators

* Practical tips from the book that can be implemented immediately in the classroom.

* Guests share their favorite strategies and how they plan to use them in their teaching.

Reflections and Closing Thoughts

* Guests reflect on their learning journey and the book's impact on their professional growth.

* Final thoughts and appreciation for the collaborative discussion.

This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking practical strategies to improve their writing instruction and create a more engaging and effective learning environment for their students.

Thanks for reading Read by Example! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support this space.

For questions or feedback, share your thoughts in the comments.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com

As a literacy leader, writing is a critical skill.

* We need to frequently communicate our organization’s beliefs and values.

* We avoid misunderstandings when what we share and post is clear.

* If we expect our students and teachers to be writers…

So where does one start?

Consider employing ChatGPT as your writing assistant.

In this video, you will see how this large language model (LLM) can:

* Give you general writing ideas as a starting point.

* Provide feedback on a first draft you’ve developed.

* Generate templates from favorite articles to use as models for your own writing.

This brief demonstration will show you how to be more intentional with ChatGPT: using frames, following up on initial responses, and asking for options instead of specific answers.

Would a mini-course on how to build and sustain a professional newsletter be of interest to you? Let me know your thoughts in the brief survey linked below.

Subscribe for free to receive new posts and build your capacity as a literacy leader.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com

In this podcast, we delve into the world of writing instruction with Carl Anderson, co-author with Matt Glover of How to Become a Better Writing Teacher.

Carl is the author of several acclaimed books including A Teacher's Guide to Writing Conferences and A Teacher's Guide to Mentor Texts K-5. Carl shares insights from his extensive experience working with schools and districts, discussing the importance of writing instruction and providing practical strategies for educators at all levels.

Key takeaways from the conversation include:

* The journey of becoming a better writing teacher: Carl and his co-author Matt Glover emphasize that the work of teaching writing is ongoing and dynamic. Their book provides actionable steps and personalized guidance for teachers at different stages of their careers, from novices to seasoned veterans.

* Collaboration and professional development: Carl and Matt's collaboration, born out of webinars during the pandemic, highlights the power of professional learning communities and ongoing support in refining writing instruction practices.

* Advocating for writing: Amidst standardized testing and shifting curricular priorities, Carl emphasizes the importance of advocating for dedicated time and resources for writing instruction. He encourages educators to engage in conversations with administrators and colleagues to ensure that writing receives the attention it deserves in schools.

With practical insights, personal anecdotes, and a commitment to empowering educators, this conversation and Carl’s and Matt’s book are a valuable resource for anyone passionate about nurturing young writers.

Enjoyed this discussion? Share it with a colleague and continue the conversation.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com

Where does literacy leadership intersect with the quest for educational justice? In this thought-provoking conversation, I am joined by Michele Caracappa (Reading to Lead) and Debra Crouch (Made for Learning) as we delve into this vital topic.

Michele, with her extensive background in education and leadership from New York City, shares insights from her journey of supporting literacy and educational justice. The conversation covers a range of subjects:

* The impact of policies on literacy instruction

* The importance of teacher empowerment

* Rethinking literacy through a justice-oriented lens

Whether you're an educator, leader, or simply passionate about educational equity, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating conditions that foster success for all students. Dive into the discussion and discover actionable strategies to bridge the gap between literacy leadership and educational justice. Don't miss out on enriching your understanding and toolkit for change. Listen now and be part of the conversation towards a more equitable educational landscape.

Subscribe for more episodes on transforming education through leadership and literacy.

Beginning next month, we are reading How to Become a Better Writing Teacher by Carl Anderson and Matt Glover.

Share this episode with your network to spread the word about the importance of literacy leadership.

Continue the conversation here in the comments (full subscribers), or wait until the podcast version is posted.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com

Where does literacy leadership intersect with the quest for educational justice? In this thought-provoking conversation, I am joined by Michele Caracappa (Reading to Lead) and Debra Crouch (Made for Learning) as we delve into this vital topic.

Michele, with her extensive background in education and leadership from New York City, shares insights from her journey of supporting literacy and educational justice. The conversation covers a range of subjects:

* The impact of policies on literacy instruction

* The importance of teacher empowerment

* Rethinking literacy through a justice-oriented lens

Whether you're an educator, leader, or simply passionate about educational equity, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating conditions that foster success for all students. Dive into the discussion and discover actionable strategies to bridge the gap between literacy leadership and educational justice. Don't miss out on enriching your understanding and toolkit for change. Listen now and be part of the conversation towards a more equitable educational landscape.

Subscribe for more episodes on transforming education through leadership and literacy.

Beginning next month, we are reading How to Become a Better Writing Teacher by Carl Anderson and Matt Glover.

Share this episode with your network to spread the word about the importance of literacy leadership.

Continue the conversation here in the comments (full subscribers), or wait until the podcast version is posted.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com/subscribe

As the new year begins, Debra Crouch, Vivian Chen and I avoided the usual focus on resolutions in this professional conversation.

Instead, we emphasized good intentions in our professional practice.

Our discussion begins with a sharing of our current to-read lists, a mix of fiction and non-fiction books relevant to education, personal development, and broader societal issues.

We then delved into the concept of transforming lessons into recipes, exploring the nuances of teaching methods, the importance of adaptability in education, and the potential of professional development.

The conversation concludes with reflections on how these insights can be applied in our immediate professional contexts in ways that support teaching and learning.

Key Insights and Quotes:

Debra Crouch

* Insight: Emphasizes the balance between planning and responsiveness in teaching.

* Quote: "You could never plan some of those moments that were happening based on what kids were saying."

Vivian Chen:

* Insight: Points out the significance of collaborative learning and observing the impact of teaching practices.

* Quote: "I need somebody to be there to look for the kid's twinkle in their eyes, to see what it was (that led to student engagement and learning)."

Matt Renwick:

* Insight: Highlights the critical role of experience and reflection in developing teaching expertise.

* Quote: "When you cook for 20 years, you just develop a ‘with-it-ness’, a ‘I know I can substitute this for that.’"

Listeners will walk away with a greater understanding for the conditions that go into thoughtful and intentional education practices, as well as the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in our field.

Full subscribers can participate in these professional conversations via Zoom, as well as watch the video recordings. Join us!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com