Course Description
Course participants must complete the workshop below, either virtually or in-person, with Smekens Education in order to participate:
Kick-Start Writing Instruction: Routines, Strategies, & Stamina for Grades K-5 Writers is a one-day, hands-on workshop designed for K–5 educators who are eager to energize their writing instruction with purpose and confidence. This dynamic session provides a step-by-step plan for launching genre-based writing, integrating writing into reading and language lessons, and helping students build writing stamina. Educators will explore research-backed strategies that increase student engagement, make writing time productive and stress-free, and guide students toward independence.
Participants will develop a clear understanding of the essential writing skills to prioritize in writing instruction, honoring the components of the 6 Traits of Writing and The Writing Rope; learn to create engaging mini-lessons; and discover how to deliver meaningful feedback that encourages student growth and self-revision. The session also emphasizes clear routines and structures to keep students motivated and on task.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have a flexible, classroom-ready framework for launching and sustaining effective writing. Attendees will receive lifetime access to digital resources that complement the course content.
To earn credit, participants will:
- Complete a reflection paper to demonstrate the implementation of strategies learned.
- Prepare a time log that documents the time spent for completing coursework requirements.
Upon successful completion of your in-person or on-demand virtual workshop, invest time reflecting on your learnings, research and relevant readings. As a student, your practicum requirements will consist of completing a reflection paper to demonstrate the implementation of strategies learned. An additional expectation is to complete a time log that documents the time spent for completing your coursework requirements. The specific requirements concerning your reflection paper and time log are based on how many credits you take per course.
Specifically designed for busy teachers like you, you will get up to 6 months to submit coursework requirements, and extensions are always granted upon request. Opportunities are available across all teaching grade levels, disciplines, and subjects or topics. The overall course objective is aimed at implementing the best practices of education while meeting educational standards set by your school district or state.
*Additional course guidelines, formatting requirements, and information will be provided upon course enrollment.
An Official Transcript with your final course grade(s) is available from Pacific upon successful completion of coursework. The course ending date listed that will appear on your transcript will reflect the date on which your completed coursework was reviewed and graded.
Course Benefits
About University of the Pacific
University of the Pacific, established in 1851, is California’s oldest private chartered university and is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
The credits offered are post-baccalaureate, graded, graduate-level semester units of credit, provided directly through University of the Pacific – Benerd College. They are specifically designed to meet the needs of educators for salary advancement and recertification. The credits/units are acceptable where local districts approve and applicable to state licensing where authorized. We always encourage you to check with your employer for acceptability of these credits/units. Course participants are responsible to determine acceptability of these credits for their intended use. Each graduate-level semester credit is equivalent to 15 hours of academic involvement.
Course Includes
- 2 Sections
