On October 9, 2009, 100 teachers spent their in-service day working with nationally-recognized writing expert Jeff Anderson, author of “Mechanically Inclined”. Together, the teachers and Jeff explored creative strategies for helping students remember grammar and mechanics, and how weaving grammar and editing into the context of writing in a way that was meaningful, interactive, and fun. Teachers learned how to merge their craft instruction (ideas, voice) with grammar (sentence fluency and conventions) and help their students soar to new heights. Teachers also had the option of earning 1 graduate-level credit through the University of Oregon.

Here’s what teachers had to say about their experience:

“I was so inspired, I resolved to go back to school and make the “one small change” Jeff suggested. I was thrilled with the workshop.”

“This was wonderful. I don’t think I have ever been this excited about incorporating grammar into students’ writing. Well chosen speaker!”

“To be honest, I was pretty convinced that a long day of grammar was going to be a little boring and only slightly useful. I was pleasantly surprised that I walked away inspired to change my curriculum. Jeff is as engaging, ,entertaining and inspiring in a roomful of adults as I’m sure he is in front of his students.”

“Thank you so much for this training. This year’s Wordstock was by far the most useful and positive professional development I have attended so far in my career. My colleagues and I are already using Jeff’s ideas in our own classrooms with great success.”