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BARRY LANE Workshops


Current Workshops being presented by Barry Lane
You may register for any of Barry's Workshops by clicking HERE

Voice Lessons in Non-Fiction Writing 3-12 with Barry Lane

Revision: How to Teach it, Learn it, Love it  with Barry Lane

Voice Lessons in Non-Fiction Writing 3-12 
A new full day Workshop by Barry Lane

 Click here to check out this book in Barry's Store Take home this bonanza of fun research report ideas!
Free with your registration.

51 Wacky We-search Reports (by Barry Lane)  

This book will teach you how to hunt for the best facts and turn them into cartoons, parody performances, jokes, wacky poetry and much, much more. A $15 value. Yours free with the price of admission.


10 reasons why you need to attend this workshop

  1. New ways to bring life to dump truck essays and terminal papers.
  2. Surefire methods to put muscle in position papers.
  3. Tricks for meeting the demands of curriculum numbing tests without dumbing down your    teaching.
  4. Strategies to help students write with voice, even about assigned topics that don’t interest them.
  5. Dozens of tips on how to face the facts with fun.
  6. Foolproof methods for helping students find their passion in even a boring subject.
  7. Tricks for translating your students natural power as persuaders in life, into their writing.
  8. Playful ways to turn your class into savvy persuaders on the page.
  9. Practical ideas to expand the audience for your students writing beyond you and the class to the bigger world outside the classroom.
  10. Simple Ideas for crafting a report that wants to be read.

There are no boring subjects, only boring writers.....  Barry Lane

What is expository writing.? Writing that explains, is the most common answer, but in school it is sometimes seen as writing that bores. Assigned research reports often turn out sounding as though they were written by the famous author CD Rom and the students own voice is disguised beneath layers of objective information they have dutifully unearthed. Likewise assigned position papers consist of arguments that sound more like grocery lists than impassioned, logical inquiries.

Many books and seminars on writing teach rigid formulas for success at such assignments but few address the real problem, how to engage a help our students find their own unique voices when writing about subjects outside of themselves. This seminar will show you surefire techniques for helping students grades 3-12 discover their own voices and craft them into eloquent, smart, funny, sad, audacious, papers that reach the hearts and minds of their readers.

You will learn how to:

  • Help your students find a meaningful point of view on a less meaningful subject
  • Meet the demands of dull state tests while at the same time having fun
  • Show your students simple methods of organizing blocks of information for your reader
  • Reveal to students how to play with questions to find a thesis
  • Explore the joys of wacky We-search and how it can help your students find unique perspectives on a subject
  • Show students how to experiment with voices to gain an awareness and understanding of voice
  • Transform mindnumbing book reports into thoughtprovoking book explorations.
  • Discover the power of point of view and how it can transform informational writing
  • Delight your students with new ways of writing about literature and history
  • Tap into your students strengths as a persuasive writer by using what they know about persuasion from life
  • explore parody and humor to teach expository writing test skills
  • Use the visual arts and music to mine passionate opinions about literature and life.
  • Craft beginnings and endings
  • Expand writing assignments from mundane to meaningful

Why are Voice Lessons in Non-Fiction Writing getting rave reviews from students?

They’re actually fun.

They’re easy to remember.

They’re personally meaningful.

They separate bogus work from real work.

Why are Voice Lessons in Non-Fiction Writing getting thumbs up from satisfied parents?

They’re positive.

Students don’t even have to know they are doing "test prep."

Nobody spends money, time or heartbreak on meaningless worksheets or other drudgery.

They get results.

Why are administrators happy about Voice Lessons in Non-Fiction Writing?

3 words: Higher Test Scores.?

Why do teachers embrace Voice Lessons in Non-Fiction Writing?

They teach good writing, not just a test.

They use student experience and strengths.

They incorporate high-level thinking skills.

They bring out the best in students and teachers.

They are easy to manage with nothing but a blackboard and scratch paper.

They are academically rigorous.

Teachers don’t have to abandon teaching what’s important just to get ready for a test.

They get results.

Who should attend:

  • Classroom teachers 3-12

  • Social studies teachers

  • Science teachers

  • English teachers

  • Reading and Writing Specialists

  • Special educators  


You may register for any of Barry's Workshops by clicking HERE

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Barry's always smiling!  

  Revision: How to teach it, learn it, Love it!

"They love to write, but how do I get them to love revision?"

A full-day Workshop

Revision is an ongoing creative process.....not simply the act of correcting a rough draft or sloppy copy. Yet, many students are unwilling or unable to revise their work. This idea-packed workshop will send you back to the classroom with scores of practical techniques and exercises to show students how to love revision as much as professional writers do.

You'll leave this workshop inspired by Barry Lane's stories and songs. Because of Barry's wide range of experience as both a writer and teacher, he brings a unique perspective that teachers at all levels find enlightening. Barry's warmth, humor, and recycled fairy tale songs help relay his practical ideas on teaching revision in a manner so compelling you will long remember them.

You will learn how to:

  • Create a classroom where love of revision flourishes
  • Cure the "then and then" syndrome in writing
  • Teach about details and elaboration without encouraging kids to pad
  • Guide students to write and revise better dialogue.
  • Reveal to students fun ways to manipulate time through revision
  • Show students how to grow new leads from curiosity
  • Reduce the paper load even with 100 students
  • Teach the joy of revision through poetry
  • Escape 5 paragraph theme limbo and promote purposeful writing
  • Shrink the line at your desk and make peer conferences work.
  • Illustrate the reading/writing connection through revision
  • Meet the demands of dull state tests without losing your students or your mind
  • Reclaim your personal power as a writer

Who should attend?

Classroom Teachers Grades 2-12
Language Arts Teachers
Title I / Chapter I Teachers
Curriculum Coordinators
Special Education Teachers
Content Area and English Teachers
Reading Specialists
Administrators & Team Leaders
Gifted and Talented Teachers
Speech Pathologists
Bilingual teachers

You may register for any of Barry's Workshops by clicking HERE


Ideas presented at this Seminar will improve student performance
on these State proficiency tests:

T.A.A.S
C.M.T.
I.G.A.P.
K.E.R.A.
VT Portfolios
M.E.A.P.
Terra Nova
New Standards
MS PAP
6-Trait Assessment
M.E.A.
A.B.C.'s

We also offer Continuing Education Credits for the following:

Connecticut C.E.U.'s
Massachusetts P.D.P.'s
Washington Clock Hours


Click here to check out this book in Barry's Store

Each participant will take this
300 page gold mine of Revision ideas
back into their classroom

For a more detailed description of this publication, click HERE.


 Primary Teachers

"This workshop was just awesome. Barry kept the session fun and interesting. He used examples of everything he presented in order to reinforce his concepts. He was educational and entertaining. I can’t wait to see him again, hopefully soon!"
           ~Paul Zimmerman, Grade 1, CT

Barry Lane brings writing to life! He adds sparks and ignites a love of writing in all of us! I’m anxious to get back to the classroom and try his exciting ideas!
          ~Jan McClintock, Grades 2-3, KY

Your philosophy should be the framework for creative, excellent writers everywhere! I’ve used your writing lessons from After THE END for two years. (It was great to be inspired yet again!) I’ve watched students’ writing evolve and develop in a way I never thought feasible! And the ultimate result has been writers who love to write. Thank you!
          ~Anne Watson, Grade 3, CT

Second time at a Barry Lane conference! I enjoyed it again! He has a limitless supply of ideas and suggestions--and they work. Thanks, Barry!
          ~Jory Higgins, Grade 3, CT

This workshop provided many practical ideas that I want to use in my classroom tomorrow! Your presentation was both uplifting and motivating.
          ~Kathryn Irvine, Grade 3, CT

Wow--what common sense! It is so easy; why have I made it so hard? I can’t wait to share with my third graders and then to watch their writing blossom.
          ~Flo Reinbolt, Grade 3, MI

Excellent workshop!! Very enjoyable!! There are ideas that I can use in my class. I learned ways to help my class revise their writing.
          ~Harriet A. Grau, Grade 3, CT

Excellent presentation sprinkled with laughter and humor and loaded with wonderful ideas for teaching writing!
          ~Gale Stachalak, Grade 3, CT

  Upper Elementary Teachers

 Wonderful! I’ve never laughed and learned so much in one afternoon. Thank you for opening my eyes and engaging my creativity.
          ~Amelia Cassata, Grade 5, CT

Ensuring us that writing is enjoyable to teach and indeed it is quite possible to inspire our students to write...Barry Lane, thanks for the creative yet easily implementable ideas.
          ~Martha Lecko, Grade 5, CT

Excellent workshop--very refreshing ideas/thoughts about teaching writing. New ways of looking at writing in regards to teaching it and in writing myself. Excellent activities and many practical activities that I can use in the classroom.
          ~Shari L. Borenstein, Grade 4, CT

A wonderful "multi-media" presentation. Thank you!
          ~Susan Rubel, LD, CT

The day was filled with practical information that I can go back and try out immediately in my classroom. It was also entertaining. I’ll recommend it to more of my colleagues. I’m the 5th teacher from our school to attend a Barry Lane workshop. We meet to share ideas, and these are always included.
          ~Laurie A. Gjerpen, Grade 4, CT

I loved your ideas for generating lead questions and using snapshots. I will immediately put these techniques into practice when I return to school. Thank you so much.
          ~Debra Francis, El. reading teacher, CT

What an enjoyable experience. So many great ideas were shared through Barry’s presentation that are truly workable for each of us in our own classrooms. Through sharing ideas with wit and humor, the day raced past and came to a closure much too soon!
          ~Renee S. Goff, Grade 5, MI

Thank you for marvelous ideas to use to make revision FUN and interesting. I will use these in my own writing and will write more with my students.
          ~Sharon Kressin, Grade 5, WA

Barry is a fabulous combination of storyteller, stand-up comedian, singer, and, most importantly, an excellent dispenser of information. He weaves real truths into everyday teaching and the stills/tools required to teach. The day was worthwhile from beginning to end.
          ~ Ann Burnham, Grade 5, IL

   Middle School Teachers

Barry Lane was wonderful! He kept our attention and gave us some great strategies to use with our own classrooms. I would love to have him come to our school to do an inservice and to work with our kids.
          ~Michele Langley, Grade 7, CT

 Kudos! A memorable conference with ideas that I can use tomorrow in my writing instruction! Revision is one of the toughest battles I wage. Now I nave new ammunition of binoculars, thoughtshots, and potatoes to wage my "war.! Thanks.
          ~Lana Heinrich, Grade 7-8, MI

This was truly a shot in the arm. It was worth it to stay up writing special plans for my sub. This cleared out the cobwebs in my head about "teaching" writing.
          ~Connie Howard, Grade 8, MI

Barry Lane is a consummate teacher. He entertains and empowers others to pursue their dreams of a society where children love to read and write.
          ~Jason Bluestein, Grade 4, CT

You presented so many useful strategies in such an entertaining way and used our own ideas/problems to show us that they work. I use puppets and poems in my classroom and now I will do it more often. There’s not enough joy and humor in teaching and learning--with your help my classes will have more. Thanks for the music!
          ~Monica Connor, Grades 6-8, CT

I’ve never been to a conference that went by so quickly! Within 15 minutes I already had ideas to use in the classroom tomorrow! Even though I have to prepare my students for the MEAP, I can use Barry’s ideas and techniques to improve all types of their writing.
          ~Ellen Roggenbuck, Grades 7-8, MI

Useful techniques for revisions--very lively presentation. I have some new great ideas to use with my students.
          ~Sue Ozar, Grade 8, MI

Motivational, exhilarating fun! Lots of great ideas; I can’t wait to try them!
          ~Mary Anderson, Grades 5-6, MI

   Secondary School Teachers

This was a refreshing way to put my finger on the problems and possible solutions for revision in my classroom. I feel energized and ready to go when only yesterday I vowed to take a break from writing. Concrete examples and modeling were much appreciated.
          ~Kristi Martin, Grades 9-12, MI

 Excellent, excellent, excellent! Inspiring workshop. Packed with interesting strategies children will love and teachers will adapt in their curriculum.
          ~Hallie Gailing, Grades 6-12, CT

Barry Lane is very entertaining. He has great ideas for improving students’ writings. Terrific for improving my own writing! I wish there were more time--today was just the tip of the iceberg. His enthusiasm is catchy!
          ~Liz Wilbur, Grades 9-10, CT

I found the Barry Lane workshop inspiring! He has so much energy and so many good ideas, I cant help but think of ways to apply them in my class. This is my tenth year of teaching, and I would have to say that this is the first workshop I’ve ever attended that will actually influence my classroom teaching. Hurrah! I enjoyed every moment of the day.
          ~Julia Buckley, Grades 9-12, IL

Mr. Lane’s approach is refreshing! His wit and practical suggestions kept my mind engaged throughout the day. I’m eager to apply some of his techniques in my classroom. This has been the best workshop I’ve attended in years--perhaps ever!
          ~Anne Pruitt, Grade 12, KY

Absolutely the BEST! You are wonderful and great, and I love your ideas on teaching writing. I teach Senior Composition and have based the things I teach in this class on the things I’ve learned from your book. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading what you write!     P.S. You’re very funny too.
          ~Kara Porter, Grade 12, KY

 Not only does Barry bring a wealth of knowledge and suggestions to the seminar, but also a spirit and soul that can inspire any teacher. He’s a model ambassador for writing and education.
          ~Jennifer Whealan, Grade 11, IL

  Administrators and Curriculum Specialists

This was super!  It made me laugh--I even shed some tears in writing. Can’t remember when I had so much fun learning!
          ~Sue Englund, consultant, CT

Your workshop was dynamite. You are a wonderful presenter. Your ideas for writing are class ready. "Look out, writing students, I’m comin’ in!" (with new ideas).
          ~Laura Baumann, Reading/Curriculum, IL

Barry has the easiest and best techniques for making the fastest and most qualitative differences in student writing!
          ~Debbie Perry, Grades K-8, MI

I haven’t worked so hard, written so much, or laughed so hard in ages. I came, I heard, I saw, I wrote. And I wrote again and again. Finally so many of the things I have read about came to life for me. I feel confident I can relay a great deal of the information I learned today. Thanks for turning on my personal "light switch."
          ~Marcy LaSalle, K-12, MI

I can’t wait to go put on binoculars with my students! This was a very enlightening and practical workshop. Thank you.
          ~Susan Whitelaw, Grade 5, MI

Totally FABULOUS! As a consultant I can take this right to my teachers, model and have the students up and going tomorrow! This is the best conference I have ever been to concerning writing. The content was presented with ease, and the humor and entertaining manner kept all eyes focused! As conferences go--this will be a great thoughtshot! Can’t wait to have snapshots of kids in our district.
          ~Amy Galczyk, Elementary consultant, MI

Barry’s dynamic yet entertaining style accentuated the content area he presented. Writing, which until this time has been distasteful to me, under his direction and style, believe it or not, actually became fun. I wrote--I actually wrote. Wow! If I’m this excited, just think about the kids.
          ~Bill Chizmar, Principal, MI

You may register for any of Barry's Workshops by clicking HERE


 

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