All-Day ELA
By Lesli Scott
As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions on episode topics.
All-Day ELAOct 12, 2023
2.07: Four Tidbits
In this episode, Scott and Lesli share four tidbits that have been top of mind as of late. These include: looking at creativity from a different angle; excerpts from the book, Verified; the Silent Reading Club phenomenon; and an anecdote shared by Principle Jerry. Enjoy!
2.06: Building Student Efficacy in Writing - From Research to Practice
In this episode, join Lesli and Scott from Hillcrest High School, along with their guest Brianna Gee to discuss an innovative teaching experiment focused on enhancing student writing efficacy through authentic writing experiences.
Or you can watch the bite-sized PD with Brianna.
We explore the transition from a traditional approach of analyzing 'Julius Caesar' for an argumentative essay to adopting op-ed writing to energize student engagement and ownership. The shift not only aimed to address post-COVID educational challenges but also successfully cultivated a dynamic classroom environment where students learned to express their opinions on matters they were passionate about.
We saw significant improvements in student self-efficacy concerning writing, with a noteworthy increase in students' confidence to continue writing despite uncertainties.
Brianna highlights the importance of mentor texts, adjusting teaching methods based on daily feedback, and envisioning a real audience for student writing. This teaching experiment, which Brianna co-taught along with Lesli, shows promising approaches to making writing more engaging and relatable for students.
00:00 Kickstarting the Podcast with a Warm Welcome
00:16 Introducing the Special Guest and Project Overview
00:40 Diving into the Teaching Experiment: From Concept to Classroom
03:01 Shifting the Writing Approach: From Julius Caesar to Op-Eds
05:40 The Impact of Authentic Audience and Mentor Texts on Student Writing
12:13 Reflecting on the Co-Teaching Experience and Its Outcomes
13:28 Looking Forward: Sharing Resources and Continuing the Journey
2.05 - Strategies to Support ML Students in ELA
In this episode, Scott and Lesli speak with Amy Gutierrez, the lead Multilingual Learner Specialist in ISD for Canyons School District, about strategies we can use to best support our newcomers in the Secondary ELA classroom - strategies that are good for all and essential for some.
Referenced in the podcast are these Bite-Sized PDs with even more tips:
- How to Scaffold and Modify Assignments for ML Students
- How to Support Your ML Students with Whole Class Novels
Join the conversation and let us know what strategies you have found success with in your classroom.
02:04 - Writing as a Gate Opener, Part 2
Continue with Scott and Lesli as they get into the details of how to structure a writing unit that opens creativity and possibility with students.
2.03: Writing as Gate-Opener
Welcome to Season 2, Episode 3 of All-Day ELA. In this episode, Lesli and Scott discuss Chapter 4 of Jessica Early and Meredith DeCosta's book, Real World Writing for Secondary Students. And while much of this is focused on High School, we consider what this might look with our younger, middle school writers as well.
If you're interested in reading this book, be sure to check it out here.
2.02: Full-Length Mirrors and Bay Windows
Join Lesli and Scott as they discuss Chapter 1 of Teach for Authentic Engagement by Lauren Porosoff. They discuss the importance of full-length mirrors and bay windows in selecting novels with practical protocols for selecting inclusive materials.
Want to learn more? Check out the Chapter 1 Preview.
2.01: Season 2 Opener - The Band's Back Together
In this episode, Lesli and Scott launch Season 2 of All Day ELA with a review of the feedback they received on District Day. They also discuss professional learning and other activities they're excited to embark upon with their Secondary ELA Teachers this year.
07: End of Year Recap - It's Been Awhile
In this episode, Scott and Lesli recap some of the highlights from the past year and discuss some of their dream-big ideas for next year as well as what's coming up. Enjoy your summer and we'll see you at District Day!
06: Balancing Feedback and Evaluation: Part 2
Lesli and I continue our discussion from Chapter 5, Balancing Feedback and Evaluation. In the process, we hit a couple of topics that don't sit right with us, or that we just can't come to a fixed conclusion on: rubrics, deadlines, and grading practices. It gets so intense in this episode that we're cut off mid conversation.
Give Episode 06 a listen, then give us some feedback on what may have ignited you, or solutions you may have tried when confronted with grading student writing.
If you haven't had the opportunity to see the panel discussion on this very topic with ELA Teachers from Middle School to High School here in Canyons, you can find that here: Balancing Feedback and Evaluation, A Panel Discussion.
05: Balancing Feedback and Evaluation: Part 1
Lesli and I get into a discussion of Chapter 5, Balance Feedback and Evaluation. There are quite a few ideas that speak to us in this chapter, and some we simply don't agree with as a good fit for every teacher in every scenario with every classroom. Listen as we dive into the first part of this Chapter.
Also, if you haven't had the opportunity to see the panel discussion on this very topic with ELA Teachers from Middle School to High School here in Canyons, you can find that here: Balancing Feedback and Evaluation, A Panel Discussion.
As always, feel free to reach out and leave us a comment to share your good thinking or to ask us a question about this episode.
04: Map a Year of Writing: Part 2
In this episode, Lesli and Scott discuss the second part of the chapter, Map A Year of Writing, in the book, 180 Days: Two Teachers and the Quest to Engage and Empower Adolescents. Follow along with us as we delve into the key take-aways found in pages 94-104. To learn more, check out Lesli's bite-sized PD on this chapter: Bite-Sized PD: The Writing Series: Mapping a Year of Writing with Writers in Mind. You can also find other Bite-Sized PDs, film of Kelly Gallagher and Penny Kittle discussing this chapter, and other resources by visiting the All-Day ELA Armory, here.
03: Map a Year of Writing: Part 1
In this episode, Lesli and Scott discuss the first part of the chapter, Map A Year of Writing, in the book, 180 Days: Two Teachers and the Quest to Engage and Empower Adolescents. Follow along with us as we delve into the key take-aways found in pages 80-94. To learn more, check out Lesli's bite-sized PD on this chapter: Bite-Sized PD: The Writing Series: Mapping a Year of Writing with Writers in Mind. You can also find other Bite-Sized PDs, film of Kelly Gallagher and Penny Kittle discussing this chapter, and other resources by visiting the All-Day ELA Armory, here.
02: 180 Days, Chapter 1: Start With Beliefs
In our second episode, Lesli and I discuss the three areas that stood out to us the most when looking at the Jagged Profiles that were created on District Day based on the first chapter of 180 Days: Two Teachers and the Quest to Engage and Empower Adolescents, Start with Beliefs (pgs. 3-23).
Let us know what your thoughts are on the ideas in Chapter 1 by leaving us message or sending us an email.
01: Welcome to All-Day ELA!
In our inaugural episode of All-Day ELA, Lesli and Scott discuss the purpose for this podcast, analysis of data from district day, and some of the terrific work our teachers are sharing with one another during early out. To learn more about topics discussed in this episode, check out the following:
- Kanban Board Presentation by Corey Jensen and Susie Young and Eastmont Middle
- Grading Practices Bite-Sized PD by Lesli Morris
- All Day ELA Website (coming soon!)