Re: Anyone know of 4-square method of writing workshop?

[SommerWind410@aol.com]

Mary,
 
Last year, I attended workshops by both Calkins and Atwell and have to say  
that, of the two, I found Atwell's to be more informative, practical,  and 
tailored toward middle school.  It was also a more intimate  setting, which may 
have been a stroke of luck.  The Calkins workshop I  attended (which was also in 
Philly) was crowded, uncomfortable, and rather  elementary-minded, I felt. 
There were good nuggets to be had, for sure, but  personally, I would let this 
woman attend the workshop of her choice and see  what type of materials & info 
she brings back.  There could be  something worthwhile in there that might 
otherwise be overlooked in the  shadow of the "heavy-hitters."  I do use the 
four-square method when  teaching the persuasive essay, so I would be curious to 
see if Gold has  any fresh spin/ideas to bring to the workshop approach.  
 
Just my thoughts...good luck!
Cathy