How do we find enough time to implement all 4 main parts of reading and writing workshop consistently every week? Let's dive into a topic that's super relevant for all of us literacy teachers – Time Management in Reading and Writing Workshop. Let's set the scene. You've got a classroom full of eager learners, a well-planned reading or writing workshop ready to roll out, but just not enough time. Sound familiar? We're juggling different subjects, professional tasks that have to get done, and trying to meet every student's needs. So, how do we find enough time for effective reading and writing workshop? That's what we're going to explore today. When done consistently, reading and writing workshop is a powerful tool to differentiate and personalize learning all kids. In this Episode, we will chat about: 5 time management strategies that you can use in your classroom today  Examples of how other literacy teachers are using these same strategies in their classroom And I'll leave you with a little word of encouragement to keep on going Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free Guide: How to Transform Your Literacy Classroom into a Learner Driven Community Thanks For Tuning In. Ready For More? I Like Your Style! Literacy Teachers: Tag me @desireemcgeegreene on Instagram or Facebook and tell me you just listened to this episode. I would love to hear what resonated with you the most.  I don't want you to miss a thing! Be the first to know when a new episode is available by subscribing on iTunes here! If you would like to support The All Things Are Possible Teacher Podcast, it would mean the world to me if you would leave a review on iTunes. By leaving a review, you are helping fellow literacy teachers, coaches, homeschool families, churches and community leaders find this podcast and start their own learning transformation! To leave a review on iTunes, click HERE and scroll down to Ratings and Reviews. Click “Write a Review” and share with me how this podcast is changing your classroom, home, church, community, or your life! Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history. Literacy Teachers –> Check out this blog post: “What is reading workshop?” and “How to Make Your Reading and Writing Workshop More Learner Driven”. And remember... All Things Are Possible For YOU and Your Learners!

Reading and Writing Workshop is a POWERFUL tool for any literacy classroom! In this episode, we're all about putting our students in the spotlight. We're going to explore how these workshops allow us to zoom in on what each kid needs, making it a personalized learning experience. And hey, who doesn't love choices? We'll delve into how giving students the power to choose what they read or write about can light up their world. But there's more! We'll also talk about how these workshops mirror real-world reading and writing. We're preparing our kids not just for tests, but for life. Plus, we'll cover how workshops are growing independent learners, fostering teamwork, and providing on-the-spot feedback. We're building a place where reading and writing aren't just school subjects, but gateways to exciting worlds of imagination and knowledge. So let's dive into the why reading and writing workshop is so POWERFUL and the 4 main parts of workshop. Links Mentioned in This Episode: LISTEN IN: Observing Students & Buffer Time: 2 Keys to Conferring Success  FREE GUIDE: Transform Your Literacy Classroom Into A Learner Driven Community Thanks For Tuning In. Ready For More? I Like Your Style! Literacy Teachers: Tag me @desireemcgeegreene on Instagram or Facebook and tell me you just listened to this episode. I would love to hear what resonated with you the most.  I don't want you to miss a thing! Be the first to know when a new episode is available by subscribing on iTunes here! If you would like to support The All Things Are Possible Teacher Podcast, it would mean the world to me if you would leave a review on iTunes. By leaving a review, you are helping fellow literacy teachers, coaches, homeschool families, churches and community leaders find this podcast and start their own learning transformation! To leave a review on iTunes, click HERE and scroll down to Ratings and Reviews. Click “Write a Review” and share with me how this podcast is changing your classroom, home, church, community, or your life! Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history. Literacy Teachers –> Check out this blog post: 5 Ways to Make Reading and Writing Workshop More Learner Driven And remember... All Things Are Possible For YOU and Your Learners!

Let's transform your classroom or homeschool into a powerful learner driven community! Let's chat about how to you can turn your classroom into a space where your students call the shots in their learning. It's all about making them the bosses of their own education journey. We’re talking about flipping the script and turning our classrooms into dynamic spaces where our students aren’t just passengers along for the ride – nope, they’re in the driver's seat, navigating their own learning journey. Think less lecturing, more exploring. Less ‘one-size-fits-all', and more ‘what works for you'. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Sounds great, but how do I actually make this happen?” Well, fear not, because that's exactly what we're unpacking today. We’re going to get into the nitty-gritty of transforming our teaching spaces into thriving hubs of student power – where curiosity leads the charge and every voice gets a chance to echo in the halls of learning. Ready to shake things up? Let’s get started! Remember, you're not just teaching subjects; you're nurturing future leaders, thinkers, and dreamers. In this episode, we will chat about: The exact 6 steps I use to build a positive learner driven community in our microschool.  Examples, strategies or tips for each of the 6 steps so you can start implementing them right away Types of student-led activities you can incorporate in your classroom   Ready to shake things up? Let's get started! Links Mentioned in This Episode: SNAG THE FREE GUIDE: How to Transform Your Literacy Classroom Into a Learner Driven Community  Thanks For Tuning In. Ready For More? I Like Your Style! Literacy Teachers: Tag me @desireemcgeegreene on Instagram or Facebook and tell me you just listened to this episode. I would love to hear what resonated with you the most.  I don't want you to miss a thing! Be the first to know when a new episode is available by subscribing on iTunes here! If you would like to support The All Things Are Possible Teacher Podcast, it would mean the world to me if you would leave a review on iTunes. By leaving a review, you are helping fellow literacy teachers, coaches, homeschool families, churches and community leaders find this podcast and start their own learning transformation! To leave a review on iTunes, click HERE and scroll down to Ratings and Reviews. Click “Write a Review” and share with me how this podcast is changing your classroom, home, church, community, or your life! Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history. Literacy Teachers –> Check out this blog post: Peer Learning in the Classroom: What Should It Look Like.  And remember... All Things Are Possible For YOU and Your Learners!

Embrace the Growth Mindset in Your Learner Driven Community and the Magic of a three-letter word, "yet". Today, we're diving into a topic that's close to my heart and, I believe, a game-changer in any classroom; especially any learner driven community. It's about embracing a powerful concept – the growth mindset – and the magic of a three-letter word, “yet.” This little word might seem small, but trust me, it's mighty! We're here to unpack this concept, to explore its positive impact, and to share some practical, real-world strategies for bringing this mindset into literacy classrooms and homes. We're talking about nurturing resilience, fostering a love for learning, and most importantly, empowering our learners to see challenges not as roadblocks, but as stepping stones to growth and success. So grab your favorite notebook and pen, get comfy, and let’s get ready to turn those “I can’ts” into “I can’t…yet's.”  Are you ready, let’s get started. Encourage a growth mindset allows you to nurture resilient, persistent, and courageous learners who understand that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth. In this Episode, we will chat about: What a growth mindset is Three ways you can encourage a growth mindset in your literacy classroom or homeschool Two lesson or activities ideas  Two of my microschool learners' favorite read alouds focused on the power of the word “YET!” Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: Book: The Magical Yet Book: Buzzy the Bumblebee Free Guide: How to Transform Your Literacy Classroom into a Learner Driven Community

Let's transform your literacy classroom or homeschool into an encouraging learner driven community. Where your readers and writers encourage and uplift one another, and not just during your literacy block. But all throughout the day.  Wouldn’t it be nice to hear learners complimenting each other on their reading, writing, math, in the hallways, at recess, at specials, at lunch, or waiting for the bus. What if using encouraging words or complimenting their peers was just a way of life in your literacy classroom or homeschool.  Well…it certainly can be but first it has to be an expectation or community agreement. You’ve got to get that buy in and explain the WHY and the positive impact it’s going to have on each individual student and also the entire class.  Once it’s on the list of community agreements, now you’re ready to start teaching, modeling, and practicing what it really means to be an All-Star Encourager in your classroom or homeschool.  And that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about in today’s show.  I have FOUR key steps to help you incorporate more opportunities for your learners to compliment and encourage each other during reading and writing time and of course… all day long.    In this Episode, we will chat about: How you can get student buy in to encourage their peers 3 different examples of stories you could share with their learners to emphasize how simple words of encouragement can change perspectives and uplift spirits, fostering a positive classroom environment.  How you can incorporate encouragement and compliments beyond your literacy block with examples. Ways you can celebrate when learners encourage and uplift each other. Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free Guide: Transform Your Literacy Classroom Into a Learner Driven Community Thanks For Tuning In. Ready For More? I Like Your Style! Literacy Teachers: Tag me @desireemcgeegreene on Instagram or Facebook and tell me you just listened to this episode. I would love to hear what resonated with you the most.  I don't want you to miss a thing! Be the first to know when a new episode is available by subscribing on iTunes here! If you would like to support The All Things Are Possible Teacher Podcast, it would mean the world to me if you would leave a review on iTunes. By leaving a review, you are helping fellow literacy teachers, coaches, homeschool families, churches and community leaders find this podcast and start their own learning transformation! To leave a review on iTunes, click HERE and scroll down to Ratings and Reviews. Click “Write a Review” and share with me how this podcast is changing your classroom, home, church, community, or your life! Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history. Literacy Teachers –> Check out this blog post: Peer Learning in the Classroom: What Should It Look Like. 

Student Sign Up Groups Give Learners The Opportunity to Take Charge of Their Own Learning. I shared a reel on Instagram all about Sign Up Groups. And what I said in that reel was that sometimes, your learners or children just know what they need. And they don’t need to wait for you to invite them into a small group. Instead you can set up a sign up in your classroom or homeschool so readers and writers can volunteer to join a group that interests them.  When you incorporate Sign Up Groups into your conferring schedule routine, you are putting your learners in charge of deciding what they want to learn and improve on. And the Strategy Group method makes doing Sign Up Groups quick and easy.  So in today’s show we’re going to focus our chat around Sign Up Groups in writing workshop or writing block.   In this Episode, we will chat about: What student sign up groups are and why you should incorporate them in your classroom or homeschool 2 ways you can implement student sign up groups in your Writing Workshop or writing block A few tips to help you successfully manage student sign up groups during conferring time. Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free Guide: Transform Your Literacy Classroom Into A Learner Driven Community Jennifer Serravallo book: Teaching in Small Groups Thanks For Tuning In. Ready For More? I Like Your Style! Literacy Teachers: Tag me @desireemcgeegreene on Instagram or Facebook and tell me you just listened to this episode. I would love to hear what resonated with you the most.  I don't want you to miss a thing! Be the first to know when a new episode is available by subscribing on iTunes here! If you would like to support The All Things Are Possible Teacher Podcast, it would mean the world to me if you would leave a review on iTunes. By leaving a review, you are helping fellow literacy teachers, coaches, homeschool families, churches and community leaders find this podcast and start their own learning transformation! To leave a review on iTunes, click HERE and scroll down to Ratings and Reviews. Click “Write a Review” and share with me how this podcast is changing your classroom, home, church, community, or your life! Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history. And remember... All Things Are Possible For YOU and Your Learners!  

Let's explore the importance, the challenges, and the triumphs of building independent readers and writers in your classroom or homeschool. I’m going to share 5 strategies to help you build independent readers and writers fast! Because if our learners are not engaged or independent during conferring time; it’s way more challenging for us teachers to deliver effective strategies during conferences and small group instruction. Some of these are strategies I have used in the past and some I’m currently using with my micro school learners right now. Are you ready, let’s get started. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Literacy Teacher Greatness Facebook Group VELA EDUCATION FUND Transform Your Literacy Classroom into a Learner Driven Community Thanks For Tuning In. Ready For More? I Like Your Style! Literacy Teachers: Tag me @desireemcgeegreene on Instagram or Facebook and tell me you just listened to my very first trailer episode. I would love to hear what resonated with you the most.  I don't want you to miss a thing! Be the first to know when a new episode is available by subscribing on iTunes here! If you would like to support The All Things Are Possible Teacher Podcast, it would mean the world to me if you would leave a review on iTunes. By leaving a review, you are helping fellow literacy teachers, coaches, homeschool families, churches and community leaders find this podcast and start their own learning transformation! To leave a review on iTunes, click HERE and scroll down to Ratings and Reviews. Click “Write a Review” and share with me how this podcast is changing your classroom, home, church, community, or your life! Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history. Literacy Teachers –> Check out this blog post: 5 Ways to Make Your Reading and Writing Workshop More Learner Driven And remember... All Things Are Possible For YOU and Your Learners!

Conference Note-Taking Forms Helps You Keep Tabs on Each Students' Reading or Writing Journey. So, you know when we sit down with our kids one-on-one or in those tiny groups to chat about their reading and writing? I've found that having a little note-taking form by my side is a game-changer, and here's why: Keeping Tabs: First off, it's like having a diary of each student's reading journey. I can flip back and see where they were a month ago versus now. It's pretty cool to see how they're growing! In this Episode, we will chat about: The 4 key note-taking forms that I use every week with my microschool learners 3 organization systems to help you keep track of all your conference note-taking forms One way you can communication reading and writing progress with families and other staff members who work with your students One really fun tool you can make yourself to help you remember the structure and timing of each conferring method that you use. Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: How to Create a Weekly Conferring Schedule That Works EPISODE #14 Observing Students & Buffer Time: 2 Keys to Conferring Success EPISODE #15 Conferring Methods Table Tents inside of the Course How to Transform Your Literacy Classroom into a Learner Driven Community

You can make your writing time more student-led by giving your learners the opportunity to choose their own writing topics and genres. I’m going to share ONE way you can make your writing workshop or writing block more learner driven. And it’s all about giving your learners choice in what they want to write about. Now you might be thinking, wait…my learners already choose their own topics for their writing pieces.  That is fantastic if you are already giving them that choice. Now I want to show you how you can give them even more choice. What if you not only allowed them to pick their own topics, but also gave them the opportunity to choose what GENRE they want to write in.  But how? Well…that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about on today’s show. Are you ready, let’s get started. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free Guide: How to Transform Your Literacy Classroom into a Learner Driven Community

I've got some really big news to share with you on the show today. Brand new, exclusive podcast episodes are coming to the All Things Are Possible Teacher Podcast. But these episodes will not be on Apple, Spotify, etc. Well at least for now. But don't you worry, the original episodes of the All Things Are Possible Teacher Podcast are NOT going away. Every Tuesday, I will still chat about all things literacy instruction such as conferring, student-led activities, and the workshop model. So what will be the focus of these new, private episodes? Go away and start listening to find out. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Join the New Private Podcast About Creating Your Own Literacy or Black History Resources or Starting a Microschool or Homeschooling Business Snag the FREE Guide: How to Transform Your Literacy Classroom into a Learner Driven Community

How to Use Assessment Conferences to Monitor Progress All Year Long! Are you ready to make conferring feel more doable and maximize its usefulness for your learners? Well, the first step to making conferring doable is to make sure it is PURPOSEFUL. You already meet with your students or children one-on-one or in a small group; so why waste time teaching something they don’t need or something that is way too hard for them. Are you ready to learn a super quick way to monitor student progress during conferring time? This is what I love about Assessment conferences. This method of progress monitoring is a whole lot quicker than a long written assessment and gives you the chance to study a reader or writer along a progression of skills, considering a variety of possible goals.  Assessment conferences can set you and your students up to focus during future conferring time and independent work time.  Of course, all conferences offer some chance to assess. Yes, it is possible to get feedback every day from students about how they are working on strategies you’ve taught, how they are making gains towards their goals, what they struggle with, and what new learning they’ve taken on since the last time you’ve met with them.  So in today’s show, let’s dive deeper into assessment conferences because I’ve got 3 steps to help you get started in using them today. In this Episode, we will chat about: What assessment conferences are and why you should include them in your weekly conferring schedule A 5-step process to monitoring progress all year long 3 ways you can get started in using assessment conferences today Are you ready to get started? Let's do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: FREE GUIDE: Getting Started with Conferring with Readers and Writers FREE GUIDE: How to Transform Your Literacy Classroom into a Learner Driven Community Conferring All-Star Teacher Course

Student Led Morning Meeting gets your learners more involved, more engaged, and learn instruction in a fun, creative way. I’m so excited you’re listening to this episode because you are one step closer to giving your learners the opportunity to lead their own unique morning meeting. You want to get your learners more involved, more engaged, and have even more fun with Morning Meeting. And one of the best ways to do that is to invite them to lead their own Morning Meeting. Well in today’s show, I’m going to share with you the 6 key steps you will need to make the shift from teacher-led morning meetings to student-led morning meetings.    In this Episode, we will chat about: What Morning Meeting is and the 4 main components Why you should make the shift from teacher led to student led morning meeting The 6 key steps to launch a successful student led morning meeting with your learners Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free Guide: Transform Your Literacy Classroom Into a Learner Driven Community Morning Meeting Transformation On-Demand Class

Create the Right Student-Led Learning Environment That Will Boost Reading and Writing Engagement Fast! For a learner driven community or student-led classroom to be successful, there are 5 really important activities that you should incorporate into your learning environment and weekly conferring schedule. These 5 activities will not only build engagement and independence; but they will also give your learners the opportunity to shine, take charge of their own learning, and teach and encourage their peers all at the same time.  Are you ready to hear what the 5 Student-Led activities are? Well…alrighty then… let’s get started! Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free Guide: How to Transform Your Literacy Classroom into a Learner Driven Community Book Shop 'Til You Drop Classroom Expectations Posters      

Building and Maintain High Levels of Reading and Writing Engagement will make conferences and small group instruction more manageable. In today’s show we’re going to talk about something that can either make or break your conferences and small group time. I love how Jennifer Serravallo, author of the 300 Reading and Writing Strategies books: “Without engagement, you’ve got nothing!” It is so true though.  You could be the most passionate and enthusiastic teacher, super awesome at conferring with students. But if your students go back to independent reading or writing time and they don't practice strategies, they won't make the progress you are hoping for. If your classroom or homeschool feels chaotic, learners are not engaged, and their stamina is low; it's going to be challenging to meet with students in conferences and small groups consistently every day.  So in today’s show we are going to chat about 4 steps you can follow to help build engagement and independence as quickly as possible.  Are you ready? Let’s get started! In this Episode, we will chat about: The characterisitics of engaged readers and writers so you'll know which engagement skills to teach  How to create a learning environment that will increase engagement for you One important teacher tool you'll want to have to build engagement  The reading and writing engagement goals for your learners so you can teach them the engagement strategies they'll need to become an engaged reader or writer  Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free Guide - How to Transform Your Literacy Classroom into a Learner Driven Community Brainstorming Writing Strategies Bundle Reading Engagement Strategies Bundle Conferring All-Star Teacher Course    

Launch Your Reading and Writing Workshop With Your Students' Hopes and Dreams First! Did you know that you can take your students’ hopes and dreams and do a whole lot with it during those first few weeks of school. Of course, you can use them to get to know your students in a more intimate way and build those positive relationships with them. But you can also use their hopes and dreams to co-create the class rules or agreements together.  Now in today’s show we are going to chat about a third way you can use your students’ hopes and dreams. And it has something to do with reading and writing workshop. Did you know that you can use your students’ hopes and dreams to help launch routines and expectations for reading and writing workshop? Well…that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about in today’s show. Are you ready to have a step-by-step process to help you launch reading and writing workshop with your students' hopes and dreams? In this Episode, we will chat about: The 4 Main Parts of the workshop model A step-by-step process to using your students hopes and dreams for reading and writing as springboard into launching routines and expectations for reading and writing workshop. Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free Guide: Transform Your Literacy Classroom Into A Learner Driven Community What is Reading Workshop 5 Ways to Make Your Reading and Writing Workshop More Learner Driven Student Hopes and Dreams: Back to School Goal Setting Activity

Bring Class Rules to Life With Students Hopes and Dreams School rules. The mere mention of these words can elicit heavy sighs and moans from children and adults alike. Rules order us around. Rules constrict us. “No running, no hitting, no pushing, no cutting in line, don’t interrupt . . .” As one young child put it, “You want to do something and the teacher just comes along and says you can’t!” But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can use your students hopes and dreams to co-create the class rules or agreements together. And have some fun while you're at it. Build a Positive Learning Community Where Your Students Have a Say in the Class Rules. In this Episode, we will chat about: One important question you should ask at the beginning of the school year that will get your students excited about learning and make a personal connection to what they will learn in school. AND…why you should start the year with this essential question. The 4-Step process to co-creating the rules using your students hopes and dreams first. Some of my micro-school learners academic hopes and dreams and the fun, hands-on art project they are doing to display their dreams in our community room. Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: FREE Guide: How to Transform Your Literacy Classroom into a Learner Driven Community Responsive Classroom Blog Post Book: Rules in School- Teaching Discipline in the Responsive Classroom

I’m excited to share a fun and engaging back to school goal setting activity that you can do with your students or children. This activity will not only help build a positive community of learners; but you can also use this back to school activity to CO-CREATE the class rules or agreements together. This activity can also help you launch routines and expectations and then eventually launch reading and writing workshop, conferences and small group instruction. Now I’m curious if part of your back to school planning includes a fun and engaging way to set goals with your students. This can be academic goals, social emotional goals, personal goals, and so much more. Of course goal setting is something you will do all school year long, but at the beginning of year you’ll want to make it super special.  So in today’s show I’m going to share with you one of the back to school goal setting activities I just did last week with my learners in our new microschool. Are you ready? Let’s get started! Links Mentioned in This Episode: FREE How to Transform Your Literacy Classroom into a Learner Driven Community Students Hopes and Dreams Resource

If you've been wondering how to best introduce conferring routines and expectations to your learners at the beginning of the school year...well this episode is definitely for you. I'm going to give you a step-by-step blueprint to follow so you will feel confident and ready to launch routines for conferences and small group instruction. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: FREE Conferring with Readers and Writers Guide

Are you ready to learn about a quick small group instruction method that will allow you to differentiate your teaching for different levels? And I'm not talking about Guided Reading. Although this is an effective small group method too. The method I'm referring to is a lot shorter than Guided Reading.  It is very versatile and is a great choice in any grade level. This small group method can be used to teach strategies to support just about any skill or goal. They also work great across subjects such as reading, math, science, art--the sky is the limit. So let's get started so you have another quick small group instruction method in your back pocket to meet the unique needs of all your learners. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Conferring with Readers and Writers Free Guide Conferring All-Star Teacher™ Course

Wow, we had an amazing Reading & Writing Conferences and Small Groups Coaching Week on July 11-15. Over 100 literacy teachers and coaches attended and now you get a sneak peek of Coaching Week in this episode. I can't wait to share with you one of the quickest 1-on-1 conference methods that you can use to coach and guide your readers and writers as they practice strategies with you. Are you ready, let's get started! Free Conferring with Readers and Writers Guide

Today’s show is going to be a special one because I’m going to answer some questions that have popped up inside the Reading & Writing Conferences and Small Groups Coaching Week that's going on right now.   These questions might be the same ones you are asking yourself right now as you start to plan out your conferring schedule and how you are going to launch routines at the beginning of the year. So grab a notebook and pen or get that google doc ready to take some notes. And let’s get started!   FREE READING & WRITING CONFERENCES & SMALL GROUPS COACHING WEEK

Skill Progressions is a great teacher tool to help you choose the best reading and writing skills for conferences and small group instruction. Let's chat about one teacher tool that will help you focus your instruction on what each individual learner needs even when they are in a small group.  Once a reading or writing goal has been identified, this tool will show skills within that goal that your learners should practice. And this tool will give you a recommended path to follow to help your students reach their goals faster.  Do you know what tool I’m talking about? If you said SKILL PROGRESSIONS…then you are correct. Skill Progressions help you monitor your learners' progress towards their reading and writing goals. In this Episode, we will chat about: What Skill Progressions are The impact they have on forming small groups How Skill Progressions work Where you can find Skill Progressions if you don't already have them Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free Coaching Week: Reading & Writing Conferences and Small Groups Free Conferring with Readers and Writers Guide Literacy Teachers –> Check out this blog post: The 4 Easy Steps to Scheduling Small Group Instruction

Follow Up Conferences with Students allows you to check-in with your readers and writers to see how they are growing in their skills. Okay let’s get into today’s show, which will be our last episode in this mini series on conferring schedules, at least for now; we are going to talk about one more thing that you’ll want to add to your weekly conference. And that is the follow up conference.  In this Episode, we will chat about: What follow up conferences are 4 ways follow up conferences can make a positive impact on your literacy classroom How following up with students can build engagement and independence The first step you'll want to do BEFORE you meet with a learner in a follow up conference  Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free Conferring with Readers and Writers Guide Coaching Week: Reading & Writing Conferences and Small Groups Literacy Teachers –> Check out this blog post: How Does Student Engagement Impact Learning the Writing Classroom, What is Engaged Reading in the Conferring Classroom, The 4 Easy Steps to Scheduling Small Group Instruction

If you're thinking about doing a Black History skit performance with your students or children, then this episode is for you. So far, on the All Things Are Possible Teacher Podcast, I’ve shared lots of strategies and tips for teaching reading and writing. Well a few days ago, several educators reached out to me and said, “Desiree, I really want to try and do a Black History skit performance this year but I have no clue where to start. I heard that you help educators plan amazing Black History skit celebrations. Can you give us a few tips to get started? Well…of course I can. No matter if you are a teacher, administrator, youth pastor, community leader, or homeschool co-op; I just LOVE helping educators pull off the most memorable Black History skit celebrations. So, if you are thinking about doing a Black History skit with your students or children this year, then this episode is for you. There are 5 key steps you’ll want to follow BEFORE you start planning any of the nitty gritty details. This is going to be the firm foundation that all of your future planning will rest upon. Also, the overall success of your Black History celebration depends upon these 5 key steps. So it’s important to start off on the right foot.  Are you ready to learn the exact steps to get starting in a planning a Black History skit celebration? In this Episode, we will chat about: 5 key steps you’ll want to follow BEFORE you start planning any of the nitty gritty details. questions you can answer that will help you nail down your vision for a Black History skit program. What memorable moments are and how it can bring Black History to life and your celebration even more special for your students or children. A decision you'll want to make BEFORE you even start planning will help the planning process go so much smoother. The 3 most popular ways to plan important details of a special event. One important category you'll want to have on your Black History skit planning list. Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Black History Skit Celebration Planning Guide Black History Skit Celebration Coaching Week

Introducing the hottest new podcast about conferring, peer learning, black history, and incorporating historical leaders from all ethnicities into your curriculum. Let’s continue our little mini series on conferring schedules by talking about 2 really important keys to conferring success. There are two things you’ll want to include in your weekly conferring schedule that will help you identify your learners individual needs quickly and give you designated time.  Time for what you may ask? You want to have some time set aside for any conferences or small groups you couldn’t get to earlier in the week or additional ones you need to add into your schedule based on what your learners need. The two keys to conferring success are: observing students and buffer time.  The All Things Are Possible Teacher podcast is upbeat, informative, and full of actionable step-by-step tips... In this Episode, we will chat about: Why observing learners is so important Ways you can observe learners during independent work time that will help you choose the next skill or strategy you need to teach What buffer time is and how it's going to be a game changer for your conferring schedule Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free Conferring with Readers and Writers Guide Jennifer Serravallo's book: A Teachers Guide to Reading Conferences

Desiree, I just want to REACH all my readers and writers every week and see them make some massive GROWTH. Hey Teacher Friend, I hear you loud and clear! It can be so frustrating and overwhelming at times trying to meet with students in conferences and small groups. Especially when there isn't enough time in your schedule, engagement is low, students are not independent yet, or you just have so many different reading and writing levels going on in your literacy classroom or homeschool. I'm here to tell you there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, you can find time and successfully implement conferences and small groups daily in a room full of engaged and independent readers and writers.  And it starts with believing it’s possible and then creating a weekly conferring schedule that is going to work. So let’s chat about how to create a weekly conferring schedule that you can be consistent with and reach every learner? I’m going to give you 2 tips to get you started. Are you ready? Let’s get started. Links Mentioned in This Episode: Free getting started guide Conferring with Readers and Writers

If you are brand new to reading and writing workshop and are using it next school year, or if you are already using it and are looking to make it more learner driven or more student-led, then you’ll definitely want to listen to this episode. I’m going to walk you through the pros and cons of reading and writing workshop, the 4 main workshop components, and some tips to transform your reading and writing workshop into a learner driven community. Are you ready? Let’s get started. Links Mentioned in This Episode: FREE GUIDE: TRANSFORM YOUR LITERACY CLASSROOM INTO A LEARNER DRIVEN COMMUNITY

Have you been asking yourself this question? Well in this episode, I'm going to give you a straightforward, simple answer. On this Episode, we will chat about: The 3 steps to guide your learners in choosing the right writing and reading strategy for their student-led activity The difference between goals, skills, and strategies What high and low impact strategies are and why it's so important for your learners to choose high impact strategies for their student-led activities One system idea to help your learners keep track of the skills and strategies they can do independently Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: FREE GUIDE: TRANSFORM YOUR LITERACY CLASSROOM INTO A LEARNER DRIVEN COMMUNITY Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history. Literacy Teachers –> Check out this podcast episode: Partnerships and Peer Conferences: The Perfect Solution to Find More Time for Conferring And remember... All Things Are Possible For YOU and Your Learners!

Is it difficult to find enough time to meet with all of your learners in conferences and small group instruction? Let's talk about two student-led activities you should consider using in your literacy classroom or homeschool. Now these two peer learning activities many teachers or parents often get confused. The activities I am referring to are partnerships and peer conferences. Don’t get me wrong, they are similar. But there are some unique differences. So, in today’s show I’m going to break it all down for you. I will share what partnerships and peer conferences are. The benefits or the why you should use them. And I’m going to share which one I recommend you start with if you are newer to peer learning or conferring with students.  Partnerships and Peer Conferences are a game changer for any learner driven community. To help YOU feel more confident to become the best “coach” for your children and create a powerful “Learner Driven Community” that incorporates ALL histories as a vehicle for learners to dream big. In this Episode, we will chat about: What partnerships and peer conferences are The impact partnerships and peer conferences will have on your literacy classroom or homeschool The main differences between partnerships and peer conferences Which one you should use first if you are newer to conferring with students and student-led activities  Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: FREE GUIDE: TRANSFORM YOUR LITERACY CLASSROOM INTO A LEARNER DRIVEN COMMUNITY Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week May 8-12   I want to take a minute to just say THANK YOU for all you do. Despite all of the challenges this school year, you have risen to every occasion and met every challenge with compassion, creativity, and care for all of your learners. You are a superhero with an invisible cape, going the extra mile and soaring above and beyond your job requirements. Thank you for believing in ALL of your students and never giving up on them. It is your willingness to believe that all things are possible for your learners that helps them fly towards their dreams. You know how to bring the best out of each and every one of your learners. And as this school year comes to a close, I want you to think about how much you have accomplished. And how much your students or children have accomplished. Focus on the positives and celebrate BIG!!! The All Things Are Possible Teacher podcast is upbeat, informative, and full of actionable step-by-step tips... As the instructional coach of Kingdom Seed Christian Academy, I’m now doing a lot of planning work around the learning environment, classroom set-up, curriculum, materials, resources, and how to launch a student-led community in the fall. I’m at the same place as you. Trying to figure out what I should do this summer to get my potential future classroom ready to welcome new families and their children into our new student-led, mulit-ethnic micro school. So I did my famous Sticky Note Slap It brainstorm method. I started brainstorming all the things I think I need to do over the summer to launch a successful peer learning community next school year.  And guess what??? My summer to do list has 4 main categories. I can’t wait to share these categories with you because these will be the most important things you will want to tackle over the summer that will help make peer learning and conferring possible in your literacy classroom or homeschool. In this Episode, we will chat about: The most common student-led activities so you can choose from The TWO conferring methods of teaching you should start the school year with if you are newer to conferring with students and WHY you should learn these methods first before any of the others. A third teaching method option that will make the biggest impact on how positive, encouraging, and uplifting your learning community is The type of learning environment I want to create at Kingdom Seed Christian Academy. Questions you should ask yourself to help you create a positive peer learning community next school year. The last summer to do list item after you choose which student led activities and conferring methods of teaching you want to use at the beginning of the school year. Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: COMPLIMENTING STUDENTS THE RIGHT WAY & TEACHING LEARNERS HOW TO COMPLIMENT EACH OTHER GIVE TRANSFERABLE COMPLIMENTS TO STUDENTS EVERY TIME FREE GUIDE: TRANSFORM YOUR LITERACY CLASSROOM INTO A LEARNER DRIVEN COMMUNITY   Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history.

How are you feeling about the idea of a Student Led Classroom? Do you feel like there isn't enough time for peer learning, conferences, or small group instruction? Do you have some needy students who aren't independent enough yet? Or you really want to incorporate more student-led activities but not quite sure how to teach your students how to do it. Well… you will definitely want to listen all the way to the end of this episode because I will share one of the biggest mistakes educators make when trying to create a student led classroom or homeschool. Now, don't get me wrong, will creating a learner driven community be easy? No. Will you have all the answers? No. Will there be challenges or obstacles along the way? Absolutely.  But there is one mistake I don't want you to make that could hinder your student led classroom. This mistake can also be applied to your everyday life, not just your teacher life. When you conquer this first step, a peer learning community becomes possible and you can't lose. Remember Nelson Mandela's famous quote: "I Never Lose, I Either Win or I Learn". Links Mentioned in This Episode: FREE GUIDE: TRANSFORM YOUR LITERACY CLASSROOM INTO A LEARNER DRIVEN COMMUNITY PEER LEARNING AND CONFERRING MADE POSSIBLE SUMMER COURSE REVAMP 40% OFF SALE Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history.

Let's talk about 2 super quick teaching methods that you can use after you start a conference or small group or you can just do these methods all by themselves. These 2 quick bursts of teaching will help you teach writing and reading strategies. I bet you have some learners reading and writing above grade level, below, and everywhere in between. Am I right? You’ve got a whole mix of different levels or abilities going on in your classroom or homeschool.  With just a few weeks left of school, I want you to end the year with excitement and feel so good about everything you’ve done to help your learners grow as much as possible as readers and writers. I also know when the end of the year comes, the school day can start to feel a little crazy with: End of the year assessments Student goal setting and reflection for the summer and next school year Report cards and communicating progress to parents Class Celebrations Packing up materials and supplies Extra recess or indoor play time All of these things can take you out of your normal conferring and small group routine. But All Things Are Possible teacher friends. You can still make a BIG impact and support your readers and writers even in the last few weeks of school. And these 2 really quick methods of teaching that I’m about to share with you don’t require any planning up front. You can just do them on the spot and they don't take a whole lot of time. Which is exactly what you need as you end a busy school year. All You Need is 90 Seconds For These Two Teaching Methods​ In this Episode, we will chat about: One of the biggest mistakes I made when trying to use these two teaching methods when I was a 2nd grade teacher Different levels of support you can offer in your conferences or small group instruction What the 2 teaching methods are and how to best use them in your classroom or homeschool  Tips to keep your conferences and small group lessons short and sweet Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode:​ HOW TO HELP STUDENTS WITH READING COMPREHENSION FREE GUIDE: HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR LITERACY CLASSROOM INTO A LEARNER DRIVEN COMMUNITY   Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history.

Let's talk about another amazing student-led activity you can incorporate into your literacy classroom or homeschool that doesn’t take a whole lot of time in your schedule. It is CLOSING CIRCLE. In our last episode, we chatted about how Morning Meeting can provide a safe peer learning environment that provides a sense of trust, encourages respectful learning, helps regulate emotions, and builds a strong sense of community.  Well, just like Morning Meeting, Closing Circle is another quick activity you can implement that will bring the school day to a peaceful end, enhance learning and reaffirms classroom community. All you need is 5- or 10-minutes before you say good-bye and you’ll feel calmer or more energized and your students or children will feel the same. Why Should You Do Closing Circle Activities? In this Episode, we will chat about: What Closing Circles are The benefits of Closing Circle and the BIG impact it can have on your students or children Reading and writing workshop The 3 key components to a Closing Circle A secret component that I'm added to my own Closing Circle for our Micro school that we are launching in the Fall 2023  Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM FIND YOUR MARIGOLD FREE GUIDE HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR LITERACY CLASSROOM INTO A LEARNER DRIVEN COMMUNITY CONFERRING ALL-START TEACHER MEMBERSHIP Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history.

One amazing student-led activity you can incorporate into your literacy classroom or homeschool that doesn’t take a whole lot of time in your schedule is… MORNING MEETING. I am so glad you're listening to this episode because if your students or children are having behavior issues and you want to have a safe peer learning environment that provides a sense of trust, encourages respectful learning, helps regulate emotions, and builds a strong sense of community… then Morning Meetings are your answer! Kick off the day with a FUN and engaging morning meeting that builds a strong sense of community with all your students. In this Episode, we will chat about: What Morning Meeting is The positive effects it can have on your classroom or homeschool community Success stories of schools around the country who have implemented Morning Meeting How you can get started in using Morning Meeting 4 tips to help your students be successful with Student-Led Morning Meeting   Are you ready to get started? Let's do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: JACKIE ROBINSON ACTIVITIES RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM TEACHER-LED MORNING MEETING LITERACY TEACHER GREATNESS FACEBOOK GROUP STUDENT-LED MORNING MEETING BOOT CAMP FREE GUIDE HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR LITERACY CLASSROOM INTO A LEARNER DRIVEN COMMUNITY Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history.

If you are new to listening to the All Things Are Possible Teacher Podcast, you probably know that I am a literacy coach, but you might not know I’m also a homeschool Mama. March/April is around the time when I start planning the next school for my son. But this year we have decided to do school differently. Yes, I am so excited about this. This is something I’ve been dreaming about since before my son was even born. I have been writing down all of these dreams  in my handy dandy notebook over the years.  My dad, who has been a school administrator and now a 7th grade ELA teacher, has been dreaming about this even longer than I have. A couple of months ago, I told my husband… I believe with my whole heart, that the time is now to make this dream become a reality.  But this isn’t going to be like any typical traditional school. We want our son and his soon-to-be peers to experience a learning transformation that sparks curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. We want them to take charge of their own learning and have tons of fun while doing it. We believe every child has dreams, passions, and purpose to discover as they grow up so they will be the next one to change the world. Every child, no matter their ethnicity, needs to see what greatness and success could look like from people who look just like them. And we are on a mission to make all of this a reality at our micro school.  I'm excited to introduce our learner driven school called Kingdom Seed Christian Academy. In this episode, we will chat about: Why we are starting a micro school What would be my DREAM school for my son and community Our vision and 5 core beliefs for our micro school How we are going to transform it it into a learner driven community The kind of learning environment we desire to cultivate What seeds of transformational learning we would like to sow in every child who attends Kingdom Seed Christian Academy What makes our micro school so unique from any other school out there Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: KINGDON SEED CHRISTIAN ACADEMY INFO KIT GREAT HOMESCHOOL CONVENTIONS SNAG THE GUIDE  Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history.

Observing or researching reading and writing strategies is the most crucial role you can play in your literacy classroom or homeschool. Observing or researching is one of the many hats you wear during conferring time. It's such an important role that I had to include it in the Peer Learning Coaching Framework. We started digging a little deeper into this Framework in the previous episode when I talked about complimenting students the right way and how to teach our learners to compliment each other. If you just started listening to the All Things Are Possible Teacher Podcast, and are not familiar with the Peer Learning Coaching Framework yet, make sure to listen to episode #2 sometime this week. It will walk you through the 8 ways you can make the teacher shift to coach and transform your literacy classroom or homeschool into a learner driven community. In my opinion, observing or researching reading and writing strategies is the most crucial role you can play in your literacy classroom or homeschool. And yet it’s one of the things that is often left out. Well, the next letter in the Peer Learning Coaching Framework is the letter O, which stands for OBSERVE. Another word I like to use interchangeably with observe is the word “RESEARCH”. When you want to shift your role from teaching to coaching during conferences and small group instruction, it starts with doing some really good research.  But how do you research reading and writing strategies effectively in a conference or small group? Not to worry because in this episode, I will teach you the… Benefits of taking time to observe students or children 3-step process to observing and researching strategies Perfect conferring method of teaching to help you research Types of research questions to ask your learners 2 ways to collect evidence of learning so researching goes smoothly 2 most important questions you'll want to answer after researching is over so you can move on with the rest of the conference Are you ready to get started? Let’s do this! Links Mentioned in This Episode: SNAG THE GUIDE  PROFESSIONAL BOOK Stop by the two blogs! I've got one for literacy teachers and black history. Literacy Teachers –> Check out this blog post: 8 Ways to Coach Students During Small Group Instruction for Reading and Writing Literacy Teachers –> Start reading this blog post: 5 Ways to Make Your Reading and Writing Workshop More Learner Driven

Want to give the most powerful compliment to students and how to help them compliment their peers? Let’s chat about how you can give your readers and writers the most powerful praise during conferences and small group instruction. Are you familiar with my Peer Learning Coaching Framework. It gives you the exact 8-steps to shift your roles from teaching to coaching in conferences and small group instruction.  Well in today’s show we are going to focus on the very first letter in the Peer Learning Coaching Framework, which is the letter C that stands for “COMPLIMENT”. When you are coaching your students or children in a conference or small group; you’ll want to notice and name a transferable compliment, and give your learners the opportunity to notice their own strengths and the strengths of their peers so they can offer compliments as well. But how do we do this? Not to worry, I’m going to walk you through the perfect method of teaching you can use, how to give the most powerful compliment out there, and times when your students or child can notice their peers’ strengths so they can compliment each other. Let’s get started. Giving compliments to students is something we as educators want to get really, really good at. In this episode, we will chat about: What is complimenting students and why it's important to conferring with students What method of teaching you can use to help you give compliments and how to implement this type of conference successfully 4 different types throughout the year when it's great to share compliments to students 3 types of compliments and which one you should use every single time How to get started in teaching your students or children how to give compliments to their peers   Are you ready to get started? Let's do this!