Learning Opportunities

Target Audience: K-6 teachers, educational assistants, pre-service teachers and administrators are encouraged to attend.

Join Michelle Bence and Dr. Miriam Ramzy for a 5-part series on the Layers of Writing. During each session, we will share the research pertaining to the layers, principles that can guide how we structure our programs, and offer suggestions for practice to help situate writing instruction in a purposeful environment. Ties to the ELAL Curriculum will be embedded throughout to help clarify the purpose of each element of writing development. 

Session 1: Overview of the Layers of Writing  

In our first gathering, we will provide an overview of how writing develops. We will share a Layers of Writing framework, explaining how the layers build upon each other. We will discuss the different roles the layers play that facilitate and enhance flow.  

Session 2: The Foundations of Developing Writers   
This second session will target what are often considered the foundations of writing: Handwriting and Spelling. We will unpack the role of these layers in supporting written production and output. 

Session 3: Sentence Structures and Vocabulary 

Together, let’s dig into how sentence structure develops from simple to complex helping writers better express their ideas. We will also look at our first category of vocabulary, descriptive language, and how we can use these types of words to build out more complex sentences. 

Session 4: Text Structure and Vocabulary 

The role of text structure, and the academic vocabulary that we can embed within, will be explored in this session. Looking at Tier 2 academic vocabulary, and the most common text structures in school, we will share ways in which we can scaffold writing practice, for all students, including reluctant writers. 

Session 5: Pulling it all Together through The Writing Process   

Finally, we will conclude the series by looking at how The Layers of Writing can come together in a purposeful writing environment, where all students experience support and success. Mirrored with reading development, when students can practice the layers in context, we support transfer within and across the disciplines.