Literature-Based Learning: Teaching Writing Standards Creatively - EDU-X716R

Course Description

Develop Writing Skills with Your Students with New Creative Strategies Using a Mindfulness Theme

In this course you will develop and enhance writing skills through brief physical activities integrated with children's literature.  The course will provide K - 6 teachers with creative writing strategies to teach the Language Arts Writing Standards and will demonstrate how activity-based writing coupled with children’s literature can boost student engagement and the quality of writing. Teachers will learn a variety of creative methods to teach specific writing strategies to their students based on grade level and student need using an engaging children’s book focused on mindfulness.  Teachers will develop these new skills through research on mindfulness and writing, and the relationship of behavior and mindfulness, following and creating two lesson plans with engaging activities, developing a daily writing journal for students, conducting a lesson teaching students to create mindfulness cards in small study groups to present to the class, a final project tying mindfulness concepts and writing strategies together, and through course reflections.

Participants will learn how to use exciting and meaningful activities that will be incorporated into writing assignments.  Using mindfulness as the conduit, research shows that the added benefits for students are increased attention and focus, improved cognitive ability, less reactivity, and better social-emotional skills.  Teachers will also benefit from these same concepts resulting in better classroom organization, management, greater efficacy, and reduced stress.  Not only will you discover fun and meaningful ways to teach writing but you will also find new ways to support behavior and coping skills.

Learner Outcomes

• Identify and describe the connection between writing, mindfulness, and behavior modification
• Analyze why this can be important to writing development
• Identify and describe the components of a self-chosen writing standard
• Analyze why this standard is important in developing writing skills
• Modify and teach a creative lesson using a physical activity and provided children’s literature
• Develop, plan and teach a writing lesson creatively
• Create a student journal and analyze how this can enhance writing skills
• Utilize writing skills by creatively combining topical information
• Design a culminating event that incorporates writing standards, course information and creative activities

Course Details

Number of Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for new or veteran educators teaching kindergarten through sixth grade.

Course Materials:  No text required, however there is a requirement to have access to one of seven listed children's books that can be readily found at your school or public library, or purchased at your local bookstore or online at Amazon.com. Ideally, this course is best completed with access to students.  This course can be completed with or without students being present.

Breathe with Me by Mariam Gates
The Mindful Dragon by Steve Herman
Breathe Like a Bear by Kira Willey
I Am Peace by Susan Verde
Moody Cow Meditates by Kerry Lee MacLean
A Handful of Quiet by Thich Nhat Hanh
Mindful Me by Whitney Steward

Testimonials

"This course has proved to be very enriching. My students' writing has blossomed, especially because they are given directives, the necessary tools to flourish, and an opportunity to make their writing even better!" -- Erika M., Educator, San Clemente, CA

Applies Towards the Following Certificate(s), Professional Programs and Series

• Literacy Toolbox Series : Courses - Enroll in One or More