The Science of Writing Instruction

April Smith
  • 4.8 (18)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Science of Writing Instruction

Join author and professional learning coach April Smith as she explores research and insights into effective writing instruction in K-12 classrooms. She delves into methodologies, interviews experts, and shares practical strategies to support our students – all backed by evidence and research. Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply curious about literacy development, tune in to discover practical strategies that foster confident and successful writers.

  1. Ep. 22: How WIN Time Can Help Our Students Be Better Writers

    12/15/2024

    Ep. 22: How WIN Time Can Help Our Students Be Better Writers

    Stephanie is a seasoned school leader and Assistant Superintendent from Texas with over 20 years of experience transforming education. She specializes in cultivating strong school cultures, implementing data-driven instructional programs, and empowering educators through her consulting business, Principal Principles. Her latest initiative, WIN Time Software, reflects her passion for fostering academic excellence through innovative, student-centered interventions. Learn More from Stephanie: Website: Principal Principles https://principalprinciples.net/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@principalprinciples  Instagram: Principal Principle April Smith is the author of the book Simplify Your Writing Instruction: A Framework For a Student-Centered Writing Block. You can find her on socials at the links below. Find her free writing training at https://www.simplifywriting.com/training LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-smith-ed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilsmithliteracy YouTube: https://youtube.com/@aprilsmith

    23 min
  2. Ep. 21: Laying a Foundation With Sentence Building

    12/08/2024

    Ep. 21: Laying a Foundation With Sentence Building

    Anni Boocher has dedicated 16 years to teaching across K-12, with nine of those years spent shaping young minds in kindergarten. Her commitment to excellence in education has earned her prestigious accolades, including the Jacobs Educator Award from Indiana University and recognition as the 2023 Local Teacher of the Year. A proud mom of three, Anni is passionate about supporting fellow educators by creating resources that simplify lesson planning and teaching, aiming to lighten their workload and reignite the joy in their classrooms. April Smith is the author of the book Simplify Your Writing Instruction: A Framework For a Student-Centered Writing Block. You can find her on socials at the links below. Find her free writing training at https://www.simplifywriting.com/training LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-smith-ed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilsmithliteracy YouTube: https://youtube.com/@aprilsmith

    26 min
  3. Ep. 20: Assessing Students Using Sentence Dictation

    12/01/2024

    Ep. 20: Assessing Students Using Sentence Dictation

    Kasey is in her 17th year as a middle school ELA teacher. For 13 of those years, she has also served as her school’s literacy coach. In addition to teaching in the classroom, she provides literacy-related professional development to staff and guides 5-8 ELA curriculum. Kasey holds a bachelor’s degree in 5-12 ELA education, a master’s degree in education, and is a certified K-8 reading interventionist and literary coordinator. For over a decade, she has created reading and writing resources for middle school students and written blog posts on her website, The Literacy Effect. Learn More from Kasey: The Literacy Effect April Smith is the author of the book Simplify Your Writing Instruction: A Framework For a Student-Centered Writing Block. You can find her on socials at the links below. Find her free writing training at https://www.simplifywriting.com/training LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-smith-ed/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilsmithliteracy YouTube: https://youtube.com/@aprilsmith

    27 min
  4. Ep. 19: Strategies for Spelling Instruction

    11/24/2024

    Ep. 19: Strategies for Spelling Instruction

    Laura Jones is an experienced educator with over 16 years of teaching and coaching in grades K-8. She holds a degree in K-8 Education from Arizona State University, and most recently completed the Phonics First OG-accredited program through Brainspring’s Educator Academy. Now, Laura works with school leaders across the country to help improve writing outcomes for students by advocating for research-based literacy instruction. Learn More: Free Resource For Spelling  April Smith is the author of the book Simplify Your Writing Instruction: A Framework For a Student-Centered Writing Block. You can find her on socials at the links below. Find her free writing training at https://www.simplifywriting.com/training LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-smith-ed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilsmithliteracy YouTube: https://youtube.com/@aprilsmith

    29 min
  5. Ep. 18: How Teaching Students Leadership Skills Can Improve Our Writing Block

    11/17/2024

    Ep. 18: How Teaching Students Leadership Skills Can Improve Our Writing Block

    Todd Nesloney is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). He has also served as an award-winning principal of a PreK-5th Grade campus of over 775 students in a rural town in Texas. He has been recognized by the White House, John C Maxwell, the Center for Digital Education, National School Board Association, the BAMMYS, and more for his work in education and with children. Todd has written six books, including the runaway smash Kids Deserve It and his newest book Building Authenticity: A Blueprint for the Leader Inside You. He is passionate about doing whatever it takes for our students and teachers and helping others tell their story. Learn More from Todd: www.toddnesloney.com @TechNinjaTodd on social April Smith is the author of the book Simplify Your Writing Instruction: A Framework For a Student-Centered Writing Block. You can find her on socials at the links below. Find her free writing training at https://www.simplifywriting.com/training LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-smith-ed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilsmithliteracy YouTube: https://youtube.com/@aprilsmith

    23 min
  6. Ep. 17: How Research & Note-Taking Can Contribute to Writing Skills

    11/10/2024

    Ep. 17: How Research & Note-Taking Can Contribute to Writing Skills

    Katie Walker is a passionate upper elementary literacy specialist, dedicated to the design of instructional resources that are explicit, scaffolded, and engaging. Katie began her teaching career in Australia before relocating to Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, in 2013. Over the past decade, Katie has gained international teaching experience working in an American Curriculum International Baccalaureate K-12 school. Katie’s teaching experience includes a diverse range of roles, such as upper elementary classroom teacher, learning support specialist, reading interventionist, instructional coach, Grades 3-5 literacy coach, and Student Support Team Leader. Driven by a passion for bridging the gap between research and practice, Katie's mission is clear: to empower fellow educators with the 'how' of literacy instruction. Learn More from Katie: Website Instagram Free Resource: Note-Taking Guide April Smith is the author of the book Simplify Your Writing Instruction: A Framework For a Student-Centered Writing Block. You can find her on socials at the links below. Find her free writing training at https://www.simplifywriting.com/training LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-smith-ed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilsmithliteracy YouTube: https://youtube.com/@aprilsmith

    31 min
  7. Ep. 16: High-Leverage Writing Instructional Strategies for Middle and High School

    11/03/2024

    Ep. 16: High-Leverage Writing Instructional Strategies for Middle and High School

    Melissa Kruse is an experienced educator with 18 years of teaching and instructional coaching in grades 7-12. She holds a bachelor's degree in English, a secondary education certificate, and advanced certifications including a reading specialist certification, a master's degree in reading, a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, a gifted and talented endorsement, and a middle school endorsement. Currently, Melissa is expanding her expertise by pursuing LETRs training. Learn More from Melissa: Website TeachersPayTeachers April Smith is the author of the book Simplify Your Writing Instruction: A Framework For a Student-Centered Writing Block. You can find her on socials at the links below. Find her free writing training at https://www.simplifywriting.com/training LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-smith-ed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilsmithliteracy YouTube: https://youtube.com/@aprilsmith

    25 min
  8. Ep. 15: The Role of SLPs In Helping Grow Our Writers

    10/27/2024

    Ep. 15: The Role of SLPs In Helping Grow Our Writers

    Hallie Sherman, M.S. CCC-SLP is a licensed speech-language pathologist in New York. She worked in the public schools for over 15 years before she left the schools to work as the CEO full time for Speech Time Fun, Inc. At Speech Time Fun, Inc. Hallie provides materials and trainings for SLPs working with grades 4-12 to help them plan with ease and confidence. She does this through her SLP Elevate membership, her TPT resources, her podcast SLP Coffee Talk, her virtual conference she hosts 3x a year called the Speech Retreat and the other various trainings for organizations and associations.Learn More from Hallie: Website Instagram April Smith is the author of the book Simplify Your Writing Instruction: A Framework For a Student-Centered Writing Block. You can find her on socials at the links below. Find her free writing training at https://www.simplifywriting.com/training LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-smith-ed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilsmithliteracy YouTube: https://youtube.com/@aprilsmith

    20 min
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4.8
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Join author and professional learning coach April Smith as she explores research and insights into effective writing instruction in K-12 classrooms. She delves into methodologies, interviews experts, and shares practical strategies to support our students – all backed by evidence and research. Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply curious about literacy development, tune in to discover practical strategies that foster confident and successful writers.

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