on-demand workshop

Teaching Personal Narrative Writing

In this session, teachers learn how to plan and sequence writing lessons so skills build over time. Using a Personal Narrative mini-unit, participants examine how to break down larger concepts into bite-sized skills that allow students to build upon prior knowledge to become proficient writers.
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What You’ll Learn—and Leave With

Clarify the writing task
The purpose and expectations of personal narrative writing—and how writers shape experiences into meaningful stories.

Identify the essential skills
Grade-level standards connected to narrative writing, including establishing a character, setting, problem, and solution.
Teach with ready-made mini-lessons
Scripted mini-lessons sequenced across the mini-unit to ensure every story has a plot.

Unpack the instructional practice
The research behind effective unit design, including pacing, sequencing, and revisiting skills over time.

Spot the pedagogy in action
How during-unit skills are practiced before the end-of-unit assessment.

Who should enroll?

  • K-5 teachers
  • Instructional Coaches
  • Principals
  • Special Education Teachers
  • Interventionists
The Teaching Personal Narrative Writing virtual workshop includes scripted writing lessons that teachers can use the very next day. 

This 2.5-hour session is built around a grade-level writing mini-unit. Rather than collecting disconnected strategies, teachers experience effective instruction the way students do—inside a real mini-unit, with real lessons.
A PRACTICE THAT TRANSFERS
Learn one high-impact instructional practice that works across all writing units and genres.

MODELED INSIDE
A REAL UNIT
See the practice taught and applied within a ready-to-use writing mini-unit.
ROOTED IN
RESEARCH
Understand the research behind writing instruction—grounded in the Science of Writing.
RESOURCES
THAT LAST
Leave with scripted mini-lessons and materials you can use long after the workshop.

What Teachers Get

In this Teach Writing Tomorrow micro-workshop, teachers leave with:

✔ Fully scripted writing mini-lessons for the next couple weeks of writing instruction.
✔ A high-impact instructional practice that transfers across genres and grade levels.
✔ A clear understanding of why the practice works—grounded in research.
✔ Lessons aligned to standards, skills, and instructional sequencing within a mini-unit.
✔ Lifetime access to a “secret site” of digital resources to support implementation.
✔ On-demand access to the workshop video for a year.

PRICING & GROUP RATES

$99/person

Group of 15 or more?

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

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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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do you offer a group discount?

Yes! Groups of 2-14 receive a $10 discount. Or provide campus-wide access to every teacher for $2,500.

Can I get continuing education credits?

Most likely! With prior approval from your school district, participants may receive credit for up to 2.5 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 earn graduate-level units for this workshop?

Graduate-level credit is not available for the Teach Writing Tomorrow micro-workshops. Check out our other workshop offerings (5-hour+) for options to pursue graduate-level credit.

Can I share my workshop with colleagues?

Sorry, sharing your personalized link to watch the workshop 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.

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.