West Central Indiana
Educational Service Center
Excellence through Collaboration
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October 23, 2025
Respond by October 16, 2025
Kick-Start Writing Instruction: Routines, Strategies & Stamina for grades K-5 Writers
Presented by Kristina Smekens, The Smekens Educational Solutions, Inc
Great writing instruction doesn’t happen by chance—it’s grounded in the science of writing and built through intentional routines, direct instruction, and strategic feedback from day one. This workshop equips grade K-5 English-language arts teachers with research-based strategies to develop confident, resilient writers while providing a step-by-step plan for launching writing instruction that fosters engagement and stamina from day one. What You’ll Learn: ● How to establish clear routines from day one so students stay engaged and build writing stamina—without constant teacher prompting. ● The three essential types of writing experiences, backed by research and state assessment rubrics. ● Why direct instruction is critical for growing writers—and how to deliver explicit mini-lessons in writing. ● Research-based feedback strategies that guide students toward self-revision instead of relying on the teacher. ● Practical ways to carve out time for writing in a packed literacy block. What You’ll Take Away: ● A step-by-step plan to kick-start genre-based writing instruction with momentum. ● A flexible framework for integrating writing with reading and language instruction. ● A clear understanding of the essential skills to prioritize in writing instruction, honoring the components of the 6 Traits of Writing and The Writing Rope. ● Strategies to help students persist through writing challenges instead of shutting down. ● A research-based approach that makes writing time more productive and stress free.
Bring a fully charged laptop.
Audience: Teachers grades K-5, ELA Teachers, Grades K-5, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists, Curriculum Directors
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You asked.
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We listened.
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Check out the variety of Virtual workshops scheduled this year!
Welcome The Smekens Group!
Great day for instruction on Building Effective K-12 Writing Programs
Thank you Kevin Dill for teaching strategies to prevent and eliminate chronic disruptive behaviors.
WCIESC organizes and hosts workshops for teachers, administrators, and other school personnel. Most workshops take place at our facility, but we also work with you to provide training regionally and on site.
NETWORKING MEETINGS
Regular participation in professional networking offers opportunities for growth, learning, and meaningful connections. A robust network can provide access to mentors who offer valuable advice, share experiences, and guide you through career challenges. These relationships can be instrumental in navigating your professional journey. Our networking groups include Superintendent Study Council, Elementary and Secondary Principals and Building Administrators, Curriculum Directors, Counselors, Technology Directors, High Ability Coordinators, Title I Directors, and Special Education Network, Media/Library Specialists,
Our Partnerships page is designed to introduce the partnerships, provide a brief description of their services, and connect you to the partner’s website for additional information. ESC of I member school districts are afforded special discount pricing for the partner services.
Kick-Start Writing Instruction: Routines, Strategies, & Stamina for K-5 Writers. COMING SOON!
October 23, 2023
Smekens Education Solutions, Inc
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*Meet the local educational needs of member school corporations by identifying those needs with support from school staff.
*Enhance educational opportunities for students by collaboration of resources to help establish programs, resource materials and serve the educational needs of students.
*Provide for a more efficient use of member schools’ time, materials and financial resources to enhance the quality and quantity of service and educational offerings.
*Allow for every school corporation equity of opportunity between member school corporations.
*Function as a facilitator for the Department of Education for the delivery of programs to schools in West Central Indiana.
The Purpose of a Service Center
Next Executive
Board Meeting
October 29, 2025
