The Writers' Club - a day with Gail Loane

Today a group of keen writers were fortunate enough to spend the day with the very talented Gail Loane.  Gail is the author of "I've Got Something To Say" and is currently an Educational Consultant who has been working with teachers across New Zealand for many years.  Gail was also part of the team that put together the levelled writing exemplars.
The following notes and diagram are just a few of the key ideas taken from her workshop today - enjoy!

• It is really important to start with a purpose - remember to select contexts that are relevant and of interest to students.  Go wider with context choices!
• Storying is so important - share your own experiences with the students as this will trigger other ideas and allow them to make connections
• Make students feel like they have something to say - conversations with learners to ensure everyone has an idea to use
• Ensure students know why we write - important life skills
• Writing territories - global/national/local/personal - exposure to a range of these with writing 
• students able to jot down ideas as discussions are taking place 
• Always use the author's name when reading a piece - reading examples and sharing models are important (Gavin Bishop's Piano Rock is full of great examples to use)
• Quick-Write time provide students with opportunities to practise and find their voice regularly
• Looking at examples, journal stories, poems can be part of your guided reading time - integrate the literacy elements across the curriculum