Workshops
“Alone we can do so little,
together we can do so much”
– Helen Keller
The most valuable resource teachers have is each other. I am passionate about working with other educators who’ve been in the trenches.
We have all experienced the challenges of limited time, resources, and the right knowledge necessary to help our students. This is why I love supporting other teachers by sharing best practices, research, resources, and teaching strategies that can make a real difference in the lives of the students we serve.
Workshops Inquiries
Available workshop topics are described below. Or, let me know if you have a specific topic request!
Available Workshop Topics
Mastering the Fundamentals: Unveiling the Timeless Principles of Orton-Gillingham Approach to Reading
The Orton-Gillingham approach to reading instruction is a time-tested and effective method that aims to support individuals with dyslexia and reading difficulties. In this workshop, "Mastering the Fundamentals: Unveiling the Timeless Principles of Orton-Gillingham Approach to Reading Instruction," we will explore the key principles of this approach, which include a structured, multi-sensory, and individualized approach to teaching phonics, phonemic awareness, and decoding skills. By incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning strategies, Orton-Gillingham helps learners develop strong reading foundations, leading to improved reading fluency, comprehension, and overall literacy skills. This comprehensive and evidence-based approach has proven successful in empowering struggling readers to achieve long-lasting reading proficiency and success in their academic journey.
Unleashing the Reader Within: Selecting Reading Assessments for Identifying Student Strengths and Weaknesses
Step into the world of personalized reading assessment and embark on a journey of discovering your students' unique reading abilities! This workshop focuses on equipping educators, tutors, and parents with the expertise to choose the right reading assessments. Learn how to utilize a diverse range of informal assessments, observation techniques, and one-on-one interactions to gain valuable insights into your students' reading strengths and weaknesses. During this interactive session, we'll explore practical strategies for interpreting assessment outcomes and understanding how these insights can drive targeted instructional planning. By identifying individualized learning pathways, you can help nurture your students' confidence and passion for reading. Join me in this workshop and unlock the potential of every reader in your classroom or home setting! Together, let's create a supportive environment that fosters literacy growth and lifelong learning.
Unlocking the Power of Reading: Strategies to Enhance Comprehension and Retention for Students
Uncover the full potential of reading with our educator-focused workshop. You'll explore effective strategies to elevate students' comprehension and retention skills while fostering a lifelong passion for learning. Dive into a range of comprehension techniques, from pre-reading strategies to active reading exercises, enabling students to better grasp and engage with the content they read. Strengthen memory retention through mnemonic devices and spaced repetition, and cultivate critical thinking by encouraging analysis, questioning, and interpretation. Discover creative methods to spark students' enthusiasm for reading, ensuring an enjoyable and rewarding learning journey. Walk away equipped with a comprehensive toolkit to transform your instructional approach and empower students to harness the true power of reading. Join me on this exciting journey towards revolutionizing reading comprehension and retention, ultimately nurturing academic excellence and lifelong learning among our students.
Empowering Minds: Building a Comprehensive Reading Resource Program for Your School
In a time where information is abundant and literacy skills are paramount, establishing a strong reading resource program in your school is vital to nurturing confident and proficient readers. This workshop is designed to equip educators and administrators with the knowledge and tools to create an effective reading support system. During this workshop, participants will delve into the essential components of a successful reading resource program, understanding that each school's needs may vary. We will explore various strategies to foster a reading culture, identify resources to support diverse learners, and discover how technology can be harnessed to enhance reading engagement. Participants will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of how to build and sustain a reading resource program that meets the unique needs of their school. By implementing strategies discussed, schools can empower their students to become enthusiastic readers, fostering a lifelong love for learning and equipping them with essential literacy skills for a successful future.
Building Strong Foundations: Exploring the Five Pillars of Reading
Are you an educator or a parent looking for a powerful and evidence-based approach to teaching reading and language skills? Join me in this engaging workshop as we delve into the world of Orton Gillingham, a renowned multisensory approach to reading instruction. Designed for learners with dyslexia and other reading difficulties, Orton Gillingham has proven to be effective for students of all ages and abilities. During this workshop, participants will be guided through the essential steps of an Orton Gillingham lesson. We will explore how to create a structured and personalized learning experience that caters to the unique needs of each learner. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the explicit, sequential, and cumulative nature of the Orton Gillingham method, which promotes long-lasting retention and comprehension. Key topics covered in the workshop include phonemic awareness activities, phonics instruction, syllabication rules, morphology, and sentence-level reading and writing strategies. Through hands-on activities and practical examples, attendees will learn how to integrate all these elements into engaging lessons that incorporate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic components. Whether you are an experienced educator or new to the field of reading instruction, this workshop will equip you with valuable tools and techniques to empower struggling readers and unlock their full potential.
Mastering the Steps of an Orton Gillingham Lesson: An Effective Approach to Multisensory Reading Instruction
Are you an educator or a parent looking for a powerful and evidence-based approach to teaching reading and language skills? Join us in this engaging workshop as we delve into the world of Orton Gillingham, a renowned multisensory approach to reading instruction. Designed for learners with dyslexia and other reading difficulties, Orton Gillingham has proven to be effective for students of all ages and abilities. During this workshop, participants will be guided through the essential steps of an Orton Gillingham lesson. We will explore how to create a structured and personalized learning experience that caters to the unique needs of each learner. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the explicit, sequential, and cumulative nature of the Orton Gillingham method, which promotes long-lasting retention and comprehension. Key topics covered in the workshop include phonemic awareness activities, phonics instruction, syllabication rules, morphology, and sentence-level reading and writing strategies. Through hands-on activities and practical examples, attendees will learn how to integrate all these elements into engaging lessons that incorporate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic components. Whether you are an experienced educator or new to the field of reading instruction, this workshop will equip you with valuable tools and techniques to empower struggling readers and unlock their full potential. Join us in unraveling the magic behind the Orton Gillingham approach and witness the transformative impact it can have on learners' lives. Together, let's build a strong foundation for reading success and create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all.
Navigating the Reading Journey: Finding the Perfect Starting Point for Effective Reading Instruction
IAre you ready to take your teaching skills to the next level and transform the way your students approach reading? Join us for an engaging and enlightening workshop titled "Integrating Orton-Gillingham into Classroom Reading Strategies." In this immersive experience, we'll guide you through the fascinating world of Orton-Gillingham while showing you how to seamlessly blend its tried-and-true techniques with the modern classroom environment. From mastering the essential building blocks of reading like phonics, phonemic awareness, syllable division, morphology, and syntax, to creating captivating lessons that cater to various learning styles, this workshop equips you with a comprehensive toolbox of effective reading strategies. You'll also discover the art of personalizing instruction, tapping into the power of multisensory teaching, effectively tracking student progress, and cultivating a collaborative reading community. By the end of this workshop, you'll walk away with the confidence and expertise to effortlessly integrate Orton-Gillingham into your teaching approach, empowering your students to become confident, capable, and enthusiastic readers. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your teaching and make a lasting impact on your students' reading journey.
Building Strong Foundations: Exploring the Five Pillars of Reading
Welcome to "Building Strong Foundations: Exploring the Five Pillars of Reading." This workshop is designed to provide educators, parents, and literacy advocates with a comprehensive understanding of the essential components that form the bedrock of proficient reading skills. In this workshop, we will delve into the Five Pillars of Reading, a framework recognized for its effectiveness in fostering strong literacy development. Participants will gain insights into each pillar: Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension, and explore practical strategies to nurture these critical skills in learners of all ages and abilities. Through this engaging presentation, group discussion, and hands-on activities, attendees will discover evidence-based teaching techniques and resources to create effective reading instruction plans. The workshop aims to empower participants with the knowledge and confidence to address reading challenges and foster a love for reading in their students. Join us as we unlock the mysteries of reading, unravel the power of the Five Pillars, and equip ourselves with the tools to shape a generation of confident, proficient, and passionate readers. Together, let's build strong foundations for a lifetime of literacy success!
Empowering Dyslexic Learners: The Inspiring Journey of Orton Gillingham
Join this exciting journey into the lives and remarkable achievements of Samuel Torrey Orton and Anna Gillingham – the minds behind the Orton-Gillingham approach that changed the way we teach reading. Let's dive into their stories and discover how their combined efforts reshaped education for people with dyslexia and learning differences. Step back in time and meet Samuel Orton, a neuropsychiatrist who was genuinely curious about the struggles of struggling readers. Explore the moments that sparked his interest in dyslexia and set the stage for a revolutionary teaching method. Then, get to know Anna Gillingham, a passionate educator and psychologist whose expertise perfectly complemented Orton's research. Together, they crafted a unique approach that would transform the lives of countless learners. Throughout this workshop, we'll uncover the journey that led to the birth of the Orton-Gillingham approach. We'll dig into the historical backdrop that shaped their ideas and trace the evolution of their concepts. By understanding their collaborative efforts, you'll gain insights into a teaching method designed to meet the diverse needs of every individual learner.
Enriching Instruction: Integrating Orton Gillingham into the Classroom for Effective Reading Strategies
The journey of becoming a proficient reader begins with a crucial step: identifying the right starting point for reading instruction. As educators, understanding where our students are in their reading development is essential for designing personalized and effective learning experiences. Join us in this interactive workshop as we explore strategies and assessment techniques to pinpoint each student's reading level accurately. We will delve into the importance of diagnostic assessments, formative observations, and data-driven decision-making to determine appropriate entry points into the reading curriculum. Together, we will discover how tailoring instruction to individual reading abilities can unlock a world of possibilities, fostering a love for reading and propelling students towards success. Whether you're an experienced teacher or just starting your teaching journey, this workshop will equip you with the tools to embark on an engaging and empowering reading instructional approach for every learner.
Phonemic Awareness: The Pathway for Early Reading Success
Phonemic awareness is a crucial foundational skill that lays the groundwork for early reading success in young learners. It involves the ability to identify and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words, and it plays a pivotal role in developing strong reading and language abilities. Without a solid grasp of phonemic awareness, children may struggle with decoding words, understanding the relationship between letters and sounds, and comprehending texts. This workshop aims to equip educators, parents, and professionals in early childhood education with a comprehensive understanding of phonemic awareness and its significance in the literacy journey of young learners. Participants will delve into research-based strategies, hands-on activities, and effective instructional techniques that promote phonemic awareness development in children.
Unraveling the Alphabet Maze: Exploring Phonological Awareness, Phonemic Awareness, and Phonics
Join us in the "Unraveling the Alphabet Maze" workshop as we demystify the essential building blocks of early literacy: phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, and phonics. Discover how these three key concepts play distinct roles in laying the foundation for strong reading and writing skills, and gain practical strategies to effectively support young learners. Through hands-on activities and discussions, we'll clarify the differences between these terms, explore their developmental progression, and equip you with evidence-based methods to integrate them into your teaching approach. Whether you're an educator, parent, or caregiver, this interactive workshop will empower you to navigate the path to literacy success with confidence and creativity.