Summer Series: Starting the Year Strong with K-5 Literacy

Oregon Trail REN
Occurs
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
12:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Location
InterMountain Education Service District
Lodgepole/Ponderosa Conference Room
2001 SW Nye Ave
Pendleton, OR 97801
Professional Development
4 PDU Hours Available
Registration
Event Capacity: 40 (33 Seats Remaining)
Event Details

Join literacy expert Yolanda Westerberg for an engaging and practical professional learning session designed to help K-5 teachers confidently launch literacy instruction at the start of the school year. This session will focus on building strong classroom routines, establishing a positive literacy culture, and creating the foundation for successful readers and writers through intentional planning and instructional practices.

Participants will explore the September Smart Start and Launching Units for the beginning of the year with clear expectations, purposeful routines, and meaningful literacy experiences. Educators will also dive into key components of Writers Workshop, including how to establish structures that support student independence, engagement, and writing growth from the very first days of school.

The session will include support for long-range literacy planning and guidance on utilizing the Literacy Hub resource to access instructional materials, tools, and supports throughout the year. Participants will also connect their learning to the book The First 15 Days of Writers Workshop to strengthen classroom routines and writing workshop implementation.

Through interactive learning and practical application, educators will:

  1. Learn strategies for a successful September Smart Start in literacy
  2. Explore routines and structures for launching Readers and Writers Workshop
  3. Build systems that support strong literacy instruction and student independence
  4. Develop plans for year-long literacy instruction and pacing
  5. Utilize Literacy Hub resources and materials to support instruction throughout the year
  6. Strengthen classroom culture, engagement, and academic language development
  7. Leave with ready-to-implement ideas and resources for the first weeks of school

This session is ideal for K-5 classroom teachers, interventionists, and instructional leaders committed to creating strong literacy foundations and launching the school year with purpose and confidence.