Often, writing is taught as writing, and reading is taught as reading. But there can be great value in connecting the two. In this module, learners will identify strategies for supporting the reading/writing connection and practical assignments for engaging students in writing around texts. Learners will identify different techniques of reading, including reading like a writer and deep reading, and will reflect on how they might apply their learning with the students they currently teach or will teach in the future.

Too often these days, it seems that “argument” gets confused with “arguing,” with the goal being to prove , “I’m right and you’re wrong.” But true argument is a way of “entering the conversation” on a question or issue and considering multiple perspectives with the goal of arriving at the best option. In this module, learners will identify and define the different forms of argument and persuasion along with strategies for teaching argument writing. They will also identify and practice techniques of critical analysis, and consider other forms of transactional writing, including informational and instructional writing.

“Tell me a story!” “Sing me a song!” Most children have a love for hearing – and telling – stories, and for the explosion of an emotion or a moment one often finds in poems and the lyrics of songs. In this module, learners will identify some of the components of fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction, and examine strategies for teaching students to write these forms. They’ll identify the benefits of encouraging students to explore creative writing, and will practice approaches that will help even the most reluctant creative writer find confidence and success.