on-demand workshop

Kick-Start Writing Instruction

This workshop equips K-5 English-language arts teachers with research-based strategies to develop confident, resilient writers while providing a step-by-step plan for launching writing instruction that fosters engagement and stamina.
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WORKSHOP DETAILS

What you’ll learn:
What you’ll take away:
  • How to establish clear routines from day one so students stay engaged and build writing stamina—without constant teacher prompting.
  • The three essential areas of writing instruction that are backed by research and assessed on state rubrics.
  • Why direct instruction is critical for growing writers—and how to deliver explicit mini-lessons in writing.
  • Research-based feedback strategies that guide students toward self-revision instead of relying on the teacher.
  • Practical ways to carve out time for writing in a packed literacy block.
  • A step-by-step plan to kick-start genre-based writing instruction with momentum.
  • A flexible framework for integrating writing with reading and language instruction.
  • A clear understanding of the essential skills to prioritize in writing instruction, honoring the components of the 6 Traits of Writing and The Writing Rope.
  • Strategies to help students persist through writing challenges instead of shutting down.
  • A research-based approach that makes writing time more productive and stress-free.

Who should enroll?

  • ELA Teachers, Grades K-5
  • School Administrators
  • Instructional Coaches
  • Curriculum Leaders

WHAT YOU GET

On-Demand Videos

Relevant & engaging presentations

Downloadable Book

Launching the Writer’s Workshop (K-2 or 3-12)

Secret Site

Lifetime access to
digital resources

Completion Certificate

5.5 hours of
PD credit

PRICING & GROUP RATES

$169/person

Group of 15 or more?

Email us or call (888) 376-0448
for custom pricing.

WHAT OTHER
EDUCATORS SAY

Everything presented has been applicable to my kindergarten classroom, and I can already feel my confidence as a writing teacher growing! It makes so much sense!
MEREDITH WOLFF 
Teacher, Camden Primary School - Camden, OH
This workshop is fantastic for any teacher. Young teachers will benefit greatly with this as a basis to help teach young people to write. Smekens excites you and makes you believe you can teach people how to write.
JACOB BEYER
Teacher, St. Bernard Catholic School - Wabash, IN
Thank you to the entire Smekens Team for all you do to help teachers in our desire to help students become better writers and in the process fall in love with writing.
CORRINE ROSENTRATER 
Teacher, South Haven Elementary School - Portage, IN
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Meet the PRESENTER

Kristina Smekens

Nationally recognized literacy consultant, author, and founder of Smekens Education
A celebrated educator, author, and literacy consultant, Kristina Smekens has built a reputation for using enthusiasm, humor, and common sense to equip K-12 educators with simple and effective strategies for teaching reading and writing.

As president and lead consultant for Smekens Education, Kristina is constantly developing new strategies to help teachers meet the demands of today’s College and Career-Ready Standards. She shares those strategies with teachers across the United States and beyond through on-site professional development, seminars, and an always-growing pool of print, digital, and video resources.

TOP QUESTIONS ABOUT ON-DEMAND WORKSHOPS

What is included with my registration?

  • Access to the workshop video for one full year.
  • 5.75 hours of dynamic workshop content.
  • A downloadable copy of the workshop handout.
  • Lifetime access to classroom-ready digital resources.
  • A completion certificate for 5.75 hours of continuing education credit.

Once I register, when does my access start?

You may select the date that you wish to begin your access, as soon as the next business day.

How long do I have access to the workshop?

Once you enroll in the online workshop, you can access the videos for one full year. The self-paced format means you determine how fast or slow you move through the workshop.

Your workshop registration also comes with lifetime access to exclusive digital resources in the “Secret Site” that accompanies this workshop. Here you’ll find classroom-ready worksheets and blackline masters, along with videos and articles to take your learning further. Teachers love the way the “Secret Site” helps them implement what they learn in the workshop.

Can I share my workshop with colleagues?

Online workshop sharing is not allowed. Our Terms of Use specify that one registration fee allows access for just one person. However, we are happy to offer group discounts. Give us a call at (888) 376-0448 to get the details.

Can I get continuing education credits?

Most likely! With prior approval from your school district, participants may receive credit for up to 5.75 hours of professional development for completing each of the workshop videos. A Certificate of Completion is provided to participants when they complete all aspects of the workshop. For possible Illinois-approved credit, please contact our office.

Can I receive Illinois-approved credits?

Smekens Education is a for-profit entity located outside of Illinois, and as such is not eligible to administer state-approved PD credit for webAcademy workshops. However, local school districts in Illinois may award credit when educators participate in professional development from Smekens and other for-profit, out-of-state entities. Please contact your district to determine if continuing education credit may be earned by participating in professional development events sponsored by Smekens Education.

Can I earn graduate-level units for this workshop?

Thanks to a partnership with the University of the Pacific, educators who complete each of the videos in a webAcademy workshop are eligible to pursue 1, 2, or 3 graduate-level units. (Graduate-level units cost is separate from registration fees. Units are $62 each.)

Graduate-level units offered through the University of the Pacific are non-degree units which are designed for professional certification renewals and salary step increases. (These are post-baccalaureate professional development semester units of non-degree graduate level and are not applicable to a degree at University of the Pacific.) To learn more, contact us by email or call (888) 376-0448.

What if I'm unhappy with the workshop?

We would never want you to be unhappy! That’s why every online workshop comes with a 100% money back guarantee. We are convinced the simple and effective strategies will transform the way you teach so we stand behind this workshop with full confidence. If you aren’t satisfied, contact me within the first ten days of your purchase, and I will give you a refund immediately. There are no additional forms to fill out, and there will be no delay. Just call (888) 376-0448 and ask for Brady or email me directly. We believe so strongly in this online workshop that we give you our personal promise of a speedy, hassle-free, no-questions-asked, total and complete refund.