It’s only a few weeks since I sent out my last newsletter but so much has happened during February and March that I wanted to share more with you. A lot of it is to do with the launch of my book…..
I am currently working at Stockholm University and will be here until the end of May – having spent ten days in London on the way – but I have taken the morning off to reflect on the past few weeks.
Building Young Writers – Book Launch
I was lucky enough to receive two launches of my new book Building Young Writers – one organised by the Auckland Literacy Association and held at Tirimoana School Wednesday 28 February and one organised by the Wellington Literacy Association and held at Wellington College Monday 4 March. My thanks to both literacy associations for organising these events.
Addressing The Learning Needs Of Priority Learners In Writing
About 150 teachers attended each launch and I was able to share my most recent thinking about ‘addressing the learning needs of priority learners in writing’. I did this through discussing the results of a Teaching and Learning Research Initiative on ‘writing and priority learners’ that I had co-led with Professor Judy Parr and of course through discussing the content of my book.
With regard to the book, I was able to discuss:
- How it originated;
- What it contains, including its links to authentic classroom lessons;
- How it can be used by teachers and school leaders.
Above all, though, I was able to enjoy catching up and talking with teachers from far afield and happily signing copies of the book they had purchased for themselves and their schools. Here is a range of photos from both occasions as well as photos from a gorgeous dinner I hosted for twelve very special friends after the Wellington launch. Both launches, and the Wellington dinner, were very special occasions for me; hence my wanting to share captured moments with you.
Celebrating in London
But the celebrating didn’t stop there. While in London, I lunched with my friends and colleagues Ross Young and Felicity Fergusson (of The Writing for Pleasure Centre in the UK) to further celebrate the launch. They are doing splendid classroom-based work here which can be accessed at writing4pleasure.com. You should take the time to look at it.
I have been thrilled with the reception of the book – especially on its presentation – and sales have so far well exceeded my expectations. We are currently discussing a second printing. And remember – if you or your school haven’t purchased copies of the book yet, here’s a link through to Learning Network NZ who will happily send you copies.
Stockholm University Projects
Now back to Stockholm. Although the days are still very cold – it snowed yesterday – there are small signs of spring bursting through. Within a month, the trees will be green and the sun will shine. I am involved in a number of projects at the university, but mainly to do with ‘working effectively with struggling writers’ and ‘using assessment as a teaching and learning tool’. I’m also about to make a short film on ‘making reading-writing links’. So there’s plenty of work to keep me busy….
Cheers, Murray
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