Heather’s Upcoming Workshops
- August 27, 2024 Latimer Road Elementary School, Surrey, BC
- August 28, 2024 Collingwood School, Vancouver, BC
- September 25, 2024 Talmud Torah School, Vancouver, BC
- October 21-23, 2024 Talmud Torah School, Vancouver, BC
- November 14, 2024 Fraser Cascade SD 78
- November 18, 2024 Port Alberni, BC
- November 22, 2024 Vancouver School Board
- November 27, 2024 Talmud Torah, Vancouver, BC
- February 21,22, 2025 Southern Alberta Teacher Conventions
- April 28, 2025 Port Alberni, BC
- September-December, 2024 LA Methods VIU
- January-March, 202 Principles of Teaching and Learning VIU
Workshop Descriptions
Bridging the Reading Gap (Grades 4-8) (1.5-6 hours)
Literacy instruction in grades 4-8 is complex due to the wide range of abilities in the classroom. This workshop provides the “why” and the “how” of literacy instruction for upper elementary and middle school students. Target concepts are Vocabulary, Morphology, Decoding Multisyllable Words and Spelling, with additional strategies and activities to use for Comprehension and Fluency. Teachers will leave inspired and equipped to do this work in their classrooms the following day!
An Overview of Structured Literacy (1.5-3 hours)
We live in a time when technology provides us with significant insights into how the brain learns to read. This, paired with years of reading research, allows us to address the alarming drop in reading scores we are seeing across North America. This workshop introduces educators to Structured Literacy (the Science of Reading), and a sampling of strategies that can be used to support reading instruction and intervention in the classroom and small group setting. The presentation takes participants through the Big 5 of reading (Comprehension, Phonemic Awareness, Fluency, Phonics and Vocabulary) and how the implementation of instruction in these 5 areas contributes to a comprehensive, research-based reading program.
6 Winning Strategies for Reading Success (1.5-2 hours)
In this fast-paced session, Heather will guide participants through 6 powerful strategies that will support reading instruction for emergent readers and those struggling in their reading journey. Strategies are drawn from the Big 5 of reading instruction (Comprehension, Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary and Fluency) and align with evidence-based reading instruction (SOR). Participants will have the opportunity to engage with several of the strategies in the session and leave with a list of resources to explore.
Building Your Reading Toolbox (3-6 hours)
Explore a wide range of evidence-based strategies for moving readers forward in the classroom and through intervention. Activities are for emergent to intermediate readers but the workshop can be shaped to target specific grade levels and skills. It is recommended that participants engage in “An Overview of Structured Literacy,” before booking this workshop.
This is How We Teach Reading (3 hours)
Dropping reading scores, a global pandemic and the Ontario Right to Read
Report have all contributed to an indepth look at how we are teaching
reading in Canada. This session will provide teachers with the research
background that has led to evidence-based practices for reading success.
Teachers will leave the session with activities that they can use in
their classrooms the following Monday.
Effective Reading Intervention (3 hours)
Whether a Learning Support Teacher or classroom teacher, lagging
readers can be supported through appropriate screening and intervention
strategies that address specific areas of need. Progress monitoring
ensures that students continue to move forward with confidence in their
growing skills. This hands on session will leave you encouraged and
excited about the potential of all your readers.
Custom Workshops available to meet specific school or district needs
Contact Heather to discuss your professional development needs.