LIWP Membership Sign Up/ Renewal
2016-2017
Welcome!
LIWP Happenings 2015-2016
Writing Matters Saturday Series & Writing Group
Last year, our theme was “Writing Matters” and our Saturday Series featured outstanding workshops presented by inspiring LIWP teacher-consultants. Some of the workshops were "When Revision Doesn't Work and What We Do About It", facilitated by Jane Maher; "The Power of Writing Poetry with ENL Students", facilitated by Barbara Suter; "Great Minds Don't Think Alike- Differentiating Writing in the Middle School Classroom", facilitated by Vicki Alessi; "Dive Into Blogging", facilitated by Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski; and ""Awakening the Writer's Mind with Movement and Theater Fun", facilitated by Jackie Seck McBrien. In addition, our LIWP writing group met monthly to share writing and receive feedback.
Professional Development Work in Levittown
Summer Mini-Institute
Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski and Lauren Jensen led a three day Mini-Institute around the idea that “Writing Matters.” Writing in a digital age was a key focus and participants created Twitter accounts and were part of a Twitter chat. Blogging, Google Classroom, and Podcasting were some of the digital mediums that were explored. Participants shared their best tips and ideas in a resource show and tell.
Creative Writing Retreat for Teens
The LIWP continued the tradition of offering a teen writing retreat during the summer at Nassau Community College. The LIWP was fortunate to have two fabulous and talented facilitators, Meredith Coates and Jennifer Hansen. The teens had an opportunity to develop their craft, gain valuable feedback and publish their work in a group anthology.
College Ready Writers Program
This summer, fifteen teachers participated in the College Ready Writers Program, sponsored by a grant from the National Writing Project. The CRWP encourages teachers to examine Argument Writing, and then create a culture of argument in their classrooms. The goal of the program is to have students engage in frequent argument writing, where students come to value evidence, research and logic. Participants in this summer’s group were middle, high school and community college teachers. The four-day Institute was facilitated by Jane Maher and Heidi Atlas. Participants will continue to meet several times during the upcoming school year as they implement cycles of argument writing in their classrooms.
South Huntington Library Creative Writing Retreat for Students
Professional Development in South Country School District
Darshna Katwala and Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski led a day of professional development for teachers in the South Country School District. The day was centered around the idea of “Building a Writer’s Identity.” Kathy taught a primary and intermediate writing lesson to two groups of children while teachers observed, and Darshna facilitated the discussion about what the teachers were observing and noticing. The second part of the day, Darshna and Kathy worked with the teachers. Lessons included a gamestorming session to tap into their memories of writing and a craft lesson. Resources were shared.
Kathy & Darshna in South Country School District
Lauren and Valerie collaborating at Mini-Institute
Tapping into Writing Memories
The Year Ahead- 2016-2017 Happenings!
Saturday Series: The Power of Reflection and Goal Setting: Looking Back to Plan Ahead
Saturday Series: Pursue a Passion Project!
Poetry Out Loud Competition
The LIWP will once again host the statewide "Poetry Out Loud" Competition at Nassau Community College. High school students from Nassau and western Suffolk counties will compete in a regional recitation competition in an attempt to advance to the state finals. Details to follow.
Writing Group: New Members Welcome!
Join our writing group this year! We invite new members to attend our “Friday Writes” on the first Friday of most months. Bring pen and paper or a laptop, and we’ll provide the inspiration and supportive feedback.
Friday Dates: October 7, November 4, December 9, January 6, February 3, March 3, April 21, May 12.
Time: 4:00 - 6:30 at 359 Hazelhurst at NCC.
For further information or to RSVP, please contact Heidi at heidisatlas@gmail.com.You and the LIWP
One of our key beliefs at the Long Island Writing Project (as well as the National Writing Project) is that teacher-leaders are the best change agents and need to be empowered. We want your voice and your ideas at the LIWP. Here are some ways to get involved:
Become a member! Attached, you will find the membership form for the 2016-2017 school year. Your $25 dues will allow you to attend all of our Saturday Series workshops free-of-charge and will help support our efforts to grow our site.
Be a Guest Blogger! Our website has a blog in which we feature different members each month. Your blog post can be about teaching, writing, or teaching writing! If you are interested in writing for us, please contact Kathleen Neagle Sokolowski.
Suggest a workshop/facilitate a workshop: How can we support you as a teacher of writing? Is there a topic you would like to share with our members? We are looking for teacher-leaders to offer workshops, facilitate book discussions, and take on a more active role in the organization.
Brag! Let us know what you've been up to and we will share your successes in our Celebrations page on our website and in our newsletters.
We look forward to a year full of conversation, reading, writing, teaching, sharing, and learning together!
Guest Blog Post from Barbara Suter
The Long Island Writing Project
The LIWP comprises teachers from kindergarten through university. Our seminar leaders are outstanding educators from different grade levels and disciplines in local schools, and we have a strong, ongoing partnership with Hofstra University's Department of Literacy Studies. LIWP teacher-consultants keep up with research and changes in education and their work is grounded in practical classroom approaches. Through our model of teachers teaching teachers, participants in the LIWP strengthen the classroom strategies they already find effective in teaching writing and develop new ones.
One of the most important foundational beliefs of our Project is that teachers improve their knowledge of teaching writing by writing themselves. Another is that the best way to improve our own teaching is through sharing what works with other effective teachers. We welcome your inquiries, and look forward to writing, learning and teaching with you.
Email: Darshna.Katwala@ncc.edu
Website: longislandwritingproject.weebly.com
Location: Nassau Community College, Education Drive, Garden City, NY, United States
Phone: 516.572.7464
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liwpwriters/
Twitter: @liwpwriters1