Evaluative Comprehension & Critical Thinking

(with Integrated Writing Strategies)

In today’s classrooms, students are expected not only to comprehend what they read — but also to evaluate, analyze, and articulate their understanding in writing. This professional development series equips educators with strategies to integrate comprehension and writing, helping students build the skills to think critically and express themselves clearly across disciplines.

✔️ From Information to Insight: Teaching Effective Summarization Techniques

Summarization is more than retelling — it’s the art of distilling essential meaning. This session teaches educators how to guide students to:

  • Identify key ideas, eliminate extraneous details, and synthesize information.

  • Apply summarization techniques across genres, especially non-fiction and content-area texts.

  • Use tools like “Somebody-Wanted-But-So” (SWBS), GIST summaries, and main idea maps.

  • Practice both oral and written summarization to build clarity and retention.

Participants will walk away with clear frameworks and routines that help students transform reading into insight.

✔️ Elevating Student Writing: How to Craft Clear, Constructive Written Responses

Strong readers must also be strong writers — especially in response to reading. This session focuses on:

  • Teaching constructed responses using the RACE/RAP/ACES frameworks.

  • Modeling how to cite text evidence and explain reasoning clearly.

  • Coaching students to revise for clarity, coherence, and academic tone.

  • Using rubrics and exemplars to build writing stamina and self-assessment.

Educators will learn scaffolds that help students move from surface-level responses to thoughtful written analysis — aligned with state standards and assessment expectations.

✔️ Note-Taking for Comprehension: Active Strategies That Support Learning

Note-taking is a foundational skill for deep comprehension, yet it’s often overlooked in instruction. This workshop explores:

  • Differentiating between copying and active processing.

  • Teaching structured note-taking methods such as two-column notes, Cornell notes, and sketchnoting.

  • Using notes for comprehension monitoring, discussion preparation, and writing support.

  • Adapting strategies for diverse learners, including multilingual and struggling students.

Participants will leave with engaging, student-friendly strategies that turn note-taking into a thinking tool — not a chore.

✔️ Critical Connections: Guiding Students to Read, Think, and Write About Texts Meaningfully

This culminating session brings together comprehension, analysis, and writing. It’s designed to help students make deeper connections by:

  • Synthesizing ideas across multiple texts or sources.

  • Drawing conclusions and making inferences grounded in evidence.

  • Crafting short essays or extended responses that connect reading to broader themes or real-world issues.

  • Using graphic organizers and discussion protocols to organize thinking before writing.

Educators will explore ways to design cross-text tasks that promote rigorous thinking and empower students to develop authentic, meaningful written responses.

Format Options:

  • Delivered in-person or virtually

  • Available as single workshops, multi-session series, or ongoing coaching

  • Adaptable for grades 3–8, with targeted scaffolds for diverse learner needs

I WANT TO AVAIL THIS SERVICE