The San Antonio Writing Project

Showcasing Writing Across the Curriculum

February 3, 2007
8:30 AM-12:30 PM
Rm 1.406 at the Frio Street Building, UTSA Downtown Campus
Get Flier and Registration Form
Parking information (see below)

Keynote Address: Gretchen Bernabei
Author of Why We Must Run with Scissors: Voice Lessons in Persuasive Writing and Reviving the Essay: How to Teach Structure without Formula

Three PCD credits will be offered. The cost of the event is free.

Contact the conference chair, Judi Berridage, for more information--email berridge AT randolph-field.k12.tx.us or call (210) 458-5427.

Schedule

Early registration before 8:30
8:30-8:45 Registration
8:45-9:20 Opening and Keynote
9:25-10:15 Session 1
10:20-11:10 Session 2
11:15-12:05 Session 3
12:10-12:30 Closing

Presentations
Below is a list of the presentations being offered by Teacher Consultants from the San Antonio Writing Project:

Therese Fleming, “The Special Things Inside of Me”
This multimedia presentation involves using art, music, comics, prose and technology to help students write about one of their favorite topics ~ Superheroes. We will take a look at the nature and definition of heroism. What makes a hero? How do you become one? How do various cultures define heroes? In addition, we’ll discuss some of the heroes who have been commonly overlooked in textbooks and the media. Students will look inward and write about the special things that make them an everyday hero.

Shannon Blady, “Non-Limited Non-Fiction: Exciting Strategies for Expository Texts”
This presentation focuses on the benefits of incorporating non-fiction texts into reading centers and during whole group reading instruction. The presenter will demonstrate writing response activities such as Add-a-Page and Multi-Genre projects that can be used across content areas.

Jo Rose, “Image Grammar”
Image Grammar assists students in unfolding a more mature style using five syntactical structures which polished writers use most often. While viewing paintings and having fun, students employ their own brushstrokes to create memorable word pictures.

Michelle Castillo-West, “Uncovering a Poet’s Treasure: Found Poetry”
This presentation demonstrates a creative and interactive way to get students writing poetry. This activity is relevant and engaging for students at any age level.

Mary Ellen Galloway, “Reclaiming a Lost Art: Teaching Letter Writing through Geography and Great Literature”
This presentation will use the Montessori “Fundamental Needs of Man” lesson as a platform to teach students about our basic human need to communicate through writing. Students will be given the opportunity to learn the geography of various continents in conjunction with letter writing. A variety of fictional literature dealing with the topic of letter writing will also be introduced.

Sara Rossett, “Fairy Tales from Life”
This demonstration shows how fairy tales are used as a catalyst to get students writing in engaging ways. Students learn about narrative writing by changing the characters, setting, and point of view of a fairy tale.

Nora Gonzalez, “Writing Across the Curriculum—Social Studies”
This presentation focuses on incorporating writing in the elementary social studies classroom with strategies that can be easily adapted for secondary students across all content areas. Examples of writing in poetry, freewrites, research writing, and using ABC books will be presented.

Honor Moorman, “Linking Visual and Verbal Literacies: Reading and Writing Poetry about Visual Art”
Both poetry and art speak to our imaginations through the power of images. The lesson being shared in this session integrates all six strands of the language arts curriculum (reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and representing) by engaging students in ekphrastic poetry—poetry inspired by visual art. You will leave the session with samples of student work as well as detailed plans and resources for implementing the lesson in your own classroom.

Lennie Irvin, “Process Journals: Using Reflection to Promote Learning”
Reflection is a powerful tool for students to construct their own learning. This presentation shows how weekly “process journals” are used to have students “writing about their writing.” The act is also relevant across disciplines and age levels to have students “write about their learning.”

Aurelia de Silva, “Saving Our Communities: Saving Our Cuentos”
Cuentos (storytelling) hold lessons and knowledge that sustain our community and define our past. How can we use personal experiences in the classroom to make powerful lessons relevant to all students in the school system? Participants will have the opportunity to write and share a favorite cuento.

Rene De Los Santos, “Building Essay Test Writers”
Organization is the key to success in essay writing. The lesson being presented in this session offers a structured approach to writing in response to prompts. Questioning and graphic organizers are used to help students develop and organize their ideas.

Parking Information
Free Parking will be available in Lot D3 under Interstate 35 at the Downtown Campus--no permit is required. Lot D3 is reached via the access road running south next to I35 (that runs in front of UTSA Downtown). You go past the campus down to El Paso St. (a pretty long way) to enter Lot D3. Inside Lot D3 you can drive back toward the campus to park.

Please see this link for a map: http://www.utsa.edu/maps/downtown/.

Here is another map of the Downtown Campus: http://www.utsa.edu/maps/ParkingMaps11x14(2).pdf.