Every writer needs response.

1:1 Writing Conferences

Get 20 minutes of focused attention from Mrs. Tom!

 
 

Registration opens February 16, 2023

For 3rd - 5th grade students enrolled in Family of Writers

My passion is helping students experience the power of writing that is personal, joyful, and infused with authentic voices. Spending one-on-one time talking about your child’s writing is one of the best ways to accomplish this goal. Plus, it’s what real writers do!

One-on-one writing conferences are an optional ADD-ON feature for Family of Writers.  The program is complete without one-on-one conferences, but it’s a great option for 

  • Students who are ready to go deeper into the revision and editing process, or

  • Students who want a sweet boost of confidence so they can find their stride as writers.

My writing conferences go hand-in-hand with what your child’s teacher is doing in the classroom because conferring is an essential part of the Writing Workshop. 

However, it’s also the most challenging aspect of teaching Writing Workshop! Imagine your child’s teacher keeping an entire class occupied AND giving undivided attention to one writer during a conference.  Then, find time to repeat that for every student in your class! Please give your child’s teacher a high five!

It’s a challenge, but I’ve been doing it for over thirty years and I know the tricks of the trade!

WHAT: During one twenty-minute ZOOM or in-person conference, I guide students through the following:

  • Reading writing aloud.

  • Learning how to hear golden lines (lines that stand out to the writer and listener).

  • Discussing what the writer is doing well now (and can continue doing in the future).

  • Giving and receiving meaningful responses (that might lead to revision and editing).

  • If the student is ready and receptive, introduce one new writer’s craft or revision technique the writer can try for the current or future pieces.

  • If the student is ready and receptive, introduce one new editing technique.

WHAT WRITING CONFERENCES ARE NOT:  One-on-one writing conferences are not twenty minutes of me telling your student exactly what to revise and edit so they leave with a perfect piece ready for our anthology submission. (NOTE: I give you tips for doing this during Family of Writers classes and you can also find information HERE.)

Yes, I see all those mistakes and errors and I know how to correct them, but the Family of Writers conferring experience is different from school writing. 

Nothing is graded.  It’s a writing experience that encourages experimentation and allows students to discover their identity as writers.  I want students to finish a conference and say, “That was fun!” Most importantly, a more informal and less heavy-handed approach during Family of Writers helps students build muscles that strengthen the classroom writing they will do for years to come. 

WHO: 3rd-5th grade students enrolled in Family of Writers. One student per conference (i.e. two students can’t attend the same conference). Only register your child for one conference during the Family of Writers course (i.e. your child cannot have two or three conferences).

WHEN: Monday and Friday afternoons in February and March, 2023.

  • Mondays 2/27, 3/6, and 3/13 (20-minute conferences on the hour and half hour from 2 to 6:30 PM).

  • Fridays:  2/24, 3/3, and 3/10 (20-minute conferences on the hour and half hour from 4 - 5:30 PM).

WHERE: Online via Zoom. Link supplied in confirmation email after registration. The Zoom link is also in the Family of Writers Member Area.

If your child prefers an in-person conference, that can be arranged by special request at my home office in Rancho Palos Verdes. I live near Peninsula High School (address supplied after registration).  Please email me (lorrietom@lorriet.com) after you have registered for a date and time.

SUPPLIES NEEDED: Bring one piece written during class that you'd like to submit for the Family of Writers Anthology. You may revise and edit your piece prior to the conference, but it's not required. 

IMPORTANT TIP: Our time together goes by quickly so be sure your child is prepared to start the conference at least ten minutes before we are scheduled to begin.  No makeup for missed conferences without prior notice.

COST: $40 per conference.

REGISTRATION: Registration is now open.  Please register below. If there are no highlighted Monday or Friday dates, that means the conferences for that date are sold out. To see Monday and Friday dates in March, use the down arrow to the right of February.

NOTE FOR FAMILIES WITH MORE THAN ONE CHILD ATTENDING FAMILY OF WRITERS: You may select one conference per child (so this means if you have two kids taking the class, you'll schedule two different dates and/or times.)