Meet Patrick Allen: An Interview with the author of Conferring: The Keystone of Reader’s Workshop (Part 2)

Today is a continuation of my interview with Patrick Allen. Didn't catch the first part of his interview? You can click here to get all caught up.

I appreciate the way you address some of the common myths regarding reading conferences. If someone were struggling to implement conferring, where should they start?

Well, I guess I should say to read the book!

I do write a lot about my process of learning to confer. There are many factors that affect the success of our conferring and as you read Conferring: The Keystone of Reader’s Workshop, I think you’ll be nudged to discover some of the factors unique to your own situation. First, and foremost, I think you have to decide why you think conferring is important—identify your purpose for wanting to confer. But the factors are many… environment, conference structure, record keeping, outcomes…

In the book, I say… “Start conferring. Create a structure for your conferences. Think of a way to gather information about the reader. Find a way to keep your notes organized and usable. Reflect on your success. And, if need be start again.” But, the purpose of the book is to take a close look at the ends and outs of effective reading conferences and bringing conferring to the forefront of the composing time of our reader’s workshop.

In one word, how would you describe the process of writing your latest book?

One word: worthwhile.

Did it change the way you approach writing instruction with students?

I wouldn't say it has changed my approach, but it definitely increased my awareness of the process of writing. You might say I did a humongous unit of study on professional writing. This project has taken time, patience, and lots of feedback (From my wife, Susan, to the support of my editor, Bill Varner, and to my friends). I remember emailing Katie Wood Ray as I was writing. I was having a hard time getting a chapter finished and I asked if her brain ever turned to "Duh" as she sits down to writing... and she responded in such a wise way, reminding me that "your brain can't turn to ‘duh’ or ‘delight’ if you're not willing to write”. Katie reminded me that Leonard Pitts says, "There is no such thing as an aspiring writer. You're either writing or you're not."

So, I'm constantly reminding my students that if we’re not willing to practice, to take writing on, we’re not going to move forward. My awareness of authentic writing for authentic purposes has been heightened. I'm thinking more about the conversations we have as fellow writers, readers, mathematicians, thinkers... we're in this together, this thing called "learning."


Dear Write Brained Readers,

Since I knew you would want to have a copy of your own, I bought one just for you. ‘Tis the season to be thankful and I want to express my appreciation for you. Your comments and emails inspire and encourage me. I’m thankful that you want to spend a little part of your day reading my blog.

So, here’s how you can win your very own copy of Patrick’s new book. (And to the readers in Canada, Australia, and the rest of the world, I will send the book halfway around the globe because it’s that good and I appreciate you that much!)

To enter into this giveaway:

You must first preview Patrick’s book at Stenhouse and leave a comment here telling me that you’ve done so.

Additional Entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each additional entry.)
1. Become a follower of The Write Brained Teacher
2. Subscribe via email to this blog
3. Become a facebook fan of Write Brained Learning
4. Blog about this giveaway (leave url)
5. Email your teacher friends about this giveaway
6. Tweet about this giveaway
7. Visit Patrick’s blog, All-en A Day’s Work

The winner will be chosen at random November 20th, just in time for Thanksgiving!

Finally, thank you, Patrick. Thank you for allowing me to interview you, but even more so, thank you for devoting your time and talents to create Conferring: The Keystone of Reader’s Workshop.