What I've Learned from our Workshops

- Creating a sense of community in our classrooms is critical. Creating a sense of community in a workshop is difficult but at least some sort of introduction between attendees should occur.
- Knowledge is cumulative. Each presenter learned something from the previous.
- The workshop needs your voice and style to be authentic and effective - just like writing.
- We need to be mindful of our audience when choosing text to support our activities.
- We need to be mindful of our audience in our tone and approach.
- Most activities can be adapted to a variety of grade levels. Often it's choosing more difficult supporting text to raise that level.
- Using various forms of media (images, video clips and reading aloud) are helpful.
- There is no substitute for experience.
- Publishing can be fun.
- There are evolving ways of looking at content.
- Brainstorming with experienced teachers is the best way to solidify and find holes in your plan.
- Making 13 copies of your workshop handout may take longer than you think.
- My colleagues are amazing!
- I want to participate in more workshops!