We often assume paraphrasing is a lower-level skill, akin to rote memorization and regurgitation, so why do students often freeze or plagiarize when asked to paraphrase or summarize? In truth, paraphrasing is a fundamental process of language and concept development that brings out the student’s personal voice. When a student converts a concept or idea into words that they use more naturally, they are taking ownership of that knowledge, but this is not a natural or easy process for everyone. This workshop will show how teachers can support students of all ages in using paraphrasing as a research, writing, and discussion tool whether you are teaching online or in person.
Intended Audience: This workshop is appropriate for 5th - 8th grade teachers.
Aeron Noe teaches 6th grade English language arts at Francisco Middle School, and is privileged to work with a diverse population of students, 70% of whom speak a language other than English at home. English learners bring a global perspective into her classroom, and also create an opportunity to realize that we are all language learners. Prior to becoming a teacher, Aeron worked in journalism, and has also written fiction and poetry on and off for 20 years. She is obsessed with the art of story-telling, as well as with psychology and understanding how the brain acquires and develops language skills.