Webinar Series

Part 1: Four Ways to Create Effective E-Learning

WITH DR. KATHERINE MCKNIGHT
Founder of Engaging Learners, LLC.

Join Saddleback and Dr. Katherine McKnight for this FREE webinar where you’ll find out how e-learning is different from classroom learning and also explore the many important ways in which it is the same. You’ll discover how to avoid getting distracted by all the “bells and whistles” that are available and, instead, select high-leverage tools that will help your students stay on track. We’ll conclude by looking at grading and assessment options.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2020
12:00 p.m. PDT / 3:00 p.m. EDT

Part 2: Grading and Assessment for E-Learning and the Modern Classroom

WITH DR. KATHERINE MCKNIGHT
Founder of Engaging Learners, LLC

The A, B, C, D, F grading system is as obsolete as a typewriter. The inherent issue isn’t that grading exists; it’s how we’re grading. Deep down we know there are better ways to evaluate student learning than assigning a percentage, a number, or a letter grade. Informed educators are aware of the substantial evidence indicating that the new paradigm of Skills/Standards-Based Grading (SBG) contributes greatly to meaningful learning. In this FREE webinar, you will learn how to develop Skills/Standards-Based Grading, even if you are required to use traditional letters and numbers as grades. You will also receive great resources to get started on your journey toward grading and assessment strategies that grow student achievement.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020
12:00 p.m. PDT / 3:00 p.m. EDT

Emergent-Level Fiction for Newcomers in Grades 4–12

Discover Saddleback’s two newest book series for students who have just come to the U.S. and are at the early stages of learning English in this FREE webinar. Welcome Fundamentals (for grades 9–12) and GO! Welcome Fundamentals (for grades 4–8) are realistic fiction books with a focus on important topics for newcomers, from school and money to community services and transportation options. Both series are written at emergent reading levels with lexiles of 90 and below. Join Saddleback’s Director of Literacy, Jill Haney, for a preview of these unique books that help tween and teen newcomers thrive.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2020
12:00 p.m. PDT / 3:00 p.m. EDT

The Power of Your School Librarian in a COVID-19 World: Harnessing Technology, Literacy, and Community

As you prepare for a school year like no other and seek resources to effectively utilize technology, develop literacy, and build community relationships, look no further than your school librarian. Join Washington, D.C., public school librarians K.C. Boyd, Sherri Jones, and Christopher Stewart for this FREE webinar where they will highlight the extraordinary knowledge and tools librarians bring to our new schooling reality. From rolling out digital learning plans to distributing books and supplies, this webinar will open your eyes to the power of these often overlooked professionals during these unpredictable times.

Creating A Culturally Responsive Learning Environment

Gamification in the Classroom for English Language Learners

WITH DR. SANDRA HEMPHILL
The Language Lady

Games have always been an integral part of learning for students from infancy into young adulthood. It is important to explore the elements of games that resonate with children and teenagers. In this FREE webinar, we will explore different types of games that can be embedded into a lesson to teach language skills to foster collaboration, literacy skills, problem solving, and confidence. This webinar will allow teachers to think about how taking a different approach in their lessons can turn passive learners into active learners. Examples of games, technology tools, websites, and additional resources will be shared.

Teaching ELs from a Distance: Tips for Fall Planning

In this FREE webinar, join ESL educators Esther Park, Caterina Lazor, and Maria Montroni-Currais as they discuss the tools and strategies that worked for their students during distance learning and how they plan to approach the upcoming school year. Our discussion will include technology tips, reading and conversation practice tips, and much more!

MITIGATING TRAUMA IN CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE SETTINGS: TOOLS FOR THE  TRADITIONAL OR VIRTUAL CLASSROOM

We are teaching and learning through unprecedented times. As educators, this requires us to add new resources to our instructional toolbox. In this FREE webinar with Louise El Yaafouri, participants will develop a better understanding of trauma, with a particular lens on culturally and linguistically diverse populations. We’ll then explore strategies to mitigate trauma in ways that can be embedded into traditional or virtual classroom settings.

ENGAGING EL FAMILIES IN A VIRTUAL WORLD

As we wrap up the school year and begin to think about next year, let’s take a moment to reflect on what worked (and didn’t work!) as we engaged our EL families in this virtual world. In this FREE webinar, Laura Gardner will discuss what steps can we take now—and what partners can we put in place—to ensure our students and their families have an equitable experience as we move forward, however next year may look.

USING PAIRED FICTION TO TEACH SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SKILLS TO TWEENS

Join Saddleback’s Director of Literacy, Jill Haney, for a FREE webinar featuring our newest SEL book series for upper elementary and middle school students. These fiction pairs focus on important SEL topics from relatable tween perspectives. Learn about this unique series and how comparative stories can spark conversation and reflection in your classroom.

FALL PLANNING ALREADY? CHANNEL CREATIVITY TO BENEFIT YOUR STUDENTS

How can educators use the summer to recharge while preparing to serve students during an uncertain fall? Join Saddleback author Evan Jacobs for this FREE webinar as he connects the power of the creative process to planning and problem-solving for the upcoming school year.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2020
12:00 p.m. PDT / 3:00 p.m. EDT

Using Writing and SEL Stories to Emotionally Empower our #StayAtHome Students

As we finish the school year and look ahead to the fall, we know that students will face continued emotional and academic challenges. How can we design rigorous writing instruction that closes academic gaps and simultaneously addresses social-emotional learning? This FREE webinar will model a lesson using the "WRITING RECIPE" and Saddleback's SEL Teen Literacy Library, with special emphasis on newcomers and English learners. 

ACCELERATING ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS' LITERACY SKILLS

PART 1 OF 2 PART SERIES:
THE READING GAP & HOW WE CAN CLOSE IT

You know the reality. Over 65% of our students are not reading on level. This is a staggering statistic, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. What practices can educators leverage to close the gap? What does the research really indicate about grade-level text and differentiated reading? This FREE webinar will burrow into these questions, and you’ll emerge with some concrete answers and vision to create engaged and proficient readers in all disciplines.

We teach diverse readers. In this FREE webinar, we will focus on how to differentiate reading (in all subjects) for grades 6–12. How do you select texts based on choice and complexity to motivate and engage readers? Dr. McKnight will show you how to do this and provide examples of differentiated text sets that include resources from Saddleback!

USING TECHNOLOGY TOOLS TO TEACH READING COMPREHENSION STRATEGIES: PREPARING FOR AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

With the uncertainty around when schools can officially reopen, teachers and administrators are preparing for both traditional and remote learning possibilities for summer and fall. Join us for this FREE webinar pairing tried-and-true reading comprehension strategies with free digital tools that can be used in both traditional and remote environments, and get a head start on planning for summer learning or next school year. 

SOCIAL STORY NARRATIVES FOR REMOTE LEARNING: A SOLUTION FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND NEWCOMERS

Explaining the coronavirus and the need for remote learning can be especially challenging for students who have special needs as well as students who are just learning English. Social story narratives featuring full-color photos and easy-to-understand text are an effective visual solution for communicating important facts. Join Saddleback’s Director of Literacy, Jill Haney, for a FREE webinar featuring two social story narratives to read with students during this time as well as general strategies for meeting educational goals while learning remotely. All participants in the webinar will receive two FREE ebooks as well as links to additional resources.

Recent current events are causing teachers to feel more stressed than ever. With the “new norm” of remote or distant learning, we feel increasing pressure to ensure our children are safe, equitably educated, and loved. In this highly engaging FREE webinar, participants will learn about Transformational Emotional Intelligence (TEI) and how, with personal and professional reflective practice, we can learn to appropriately respond to our current reality and effectively educate ALL children with equity and empathy.

SUPPORTING ELs WITH REMOTE READING LESSONS

With the recent transition to online learning due to the COVID-19 virus, many teachers are seeking examples of how to teach language and literacy skills to English learners online. For this FREE webinar, we've partnered with nationally recognized ESL teacher Emily Francis to bring you a model reading lesson. Join us as we learn how to engage and differentiate for English learners from a distance.

FIVE EASY-TO-USE RESOURCES FOR TEACHING ELS DURING SCHOOL CLOSURES

WITH LIZ MANGUS
Literacy Specialist
Saddleback Educational Publishing

With the recent transition to at-home learning due to the COVID-19 virus, educators are seeking straight-to-the-point resources and ideas for working with English learners. We've searched several online communities to find the most useful tools for keeping students engaged while schools are closed. Join us for the brief FREE webinar highlighting educator-created, easy-to-implement resources for English learners.

SUPPORTING ELS WITH INTERRUPTIONS IN EDUCATION

WITH CAROL SALVA
Educational Consultant
Seidlitz Education

Carol Salva will discuss considerations we need to keep in mind as we serve one of our most vulnerable populations. How can we be productive for students who have missed formal education ... or those who are missing it right now? Carol will discuss ways to help these learners find success as we move forward in this new reality. 

HANDS-ON READING STRATEGIES THAT CAN BE DELIVERED REMOTELY

WITH JILL HANEY
Director of Literacy
Saddleback Educational Publishing

AND LIZ MANGUS
Literacy Specialist
Saddleback Educational Publishing

With the day-to-day uncertainty that schools and communities are facing with the COVID-19 virus, many schools are turning to remote learning as a potential solution for the weeks ahead. As part of our commitment to support educators and promote reading for all students, Saddleback is offering a FREE webinar to share hands-on strategies that increase student engagement and build critical reading skills. Co-hosted by Saddleback's Director of Literacy, Jill Haney, and Texas Literacy Specialist, Liz Mangus, this webinar provides easy-to-implement strategies and a free resource for all attendees.