shirley's profile

Shirley spent over 30 years in the classroom developing, modifying,
expanding, and applying writing concepts to enable all students to
become successful writers. As her career wound through several school
districts and five different grade levels, she observed and practiced a
wide-range of teaching strategies and techniques. Her passion for
writing was fueled by workshops with nationally known author Linda Rief,
6 + 1 Traits of Writing author Ruth Culham, the 3rd Coast Writing project
with Dr. Ellen Brinkley, and her relationship with Betty Hamilton's Power
Writing. It became clear to her that not only could we teach all children
to write, but that learning to write could be a fun-filled, positive experience
for both teacher and students. Her efforts were rewarded by the response
of her students and by recognition of her peers as the elementary
designate for teacher of the year and as secondary exemplary teacher.

The importance of a coordinated K-12 writing program is a focus of
Shirley's approach. Beginning with the "creeping, crawling" stages of
kindergarten and first grade writing, Shirley employs the six traits of
effective writing. As a certified trainer, she uses these traits to identify
"what" to teach, then skillfully demonstrates "how" to teach these
skills in the classroom. Shirley's effective and engaging K-12 sessions
provide strategies for writing and reading. These strategies bring success
to all ability levels, even the weakest students.

Shirley now shares her knowledge, her techniques, and her
enthusiasm with other classroom teachers and administrators as she
conducts workshops and in-services throughout the United States.

Why choose Shirley Poulton's
Teach the Traits of Effective Writing workshops?

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What educators are saying about
Shirley Poulton's Teach the Traits of
Effective Writing workshops: