Tuesday, October 20, 2026
8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Workshop Summary:
Whether you are new to Comprehensive Literacy for All by Dr. Karen A. Erickson and Dr. David Koppenhaver or have hit an implementation plateau, this full-day intensive is your reset button. We move beyond theory into the “nitty-gritty” of daily practice. This hands-on workshop focuses not only on the “why,” but on the “how” of setting up inclusive literacy environments, creating sustainable schedules, and coaching colleagues through common barriers. Attendees will have opportunities to dive into and practice the emergent literacy strategies through a coaching lens. Join us to transform your classroom into a literacy-rich environment where “all” truly means all.
Professional Development Credits:
IACET CEUs: 0.65
ACVREP CEs: 6.5
Learning Outcomes:
Explain the five emergent literacy strategies and generate a sample lesson plan that incorporates each of the strategies.
Describe at least three common barriers to implementing daily emergent literacy strategies.
Develop a 30-day "Getting Started" or "Reset" action plan to daily, comprehensive implement emergent literacy.
Presenter(s)
Registration Options:
| Description | Workshop Fee | Register |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Conference Registration: (Workshop included at no additional cost with 3-day conference registration) | $0 | |
| Tuesday-Only Workshop Registration | $375 | Workshop Only Registration |
Learn more About this Workshop
Presenter-provided Abstract:
For many educators, the groundbreaking work of Dr. Karen Erickson and Dr. David Koppenhaver provides the "North Star" for literacy instruction. However, the gap between reading Comprehensive Literacy for All and Monday morning implementation can feel vast. This full-day workshop is designed to bridge that gap, providing a practical, high-energy, and interactive deep dive into the essential steps of an emergent literacy journey.
We recognize that some may be working to dismantle a "readiness" model, while others have the tools but are struggling with student engagement or staff consistency.
Regardless of your current reality, we will work to develop a deeper understanding of the emergent strategies and how to break them down into manageable pieces. Understanding “why” is essential, but knowing “how” is equally as important. We will work together to take big ideas and break them down into manageable pieces.
During this session, participants will review the five emergent strategies from Drs. Erickson and Koppenhaver. Each review will include a discussion of the non-negotiables (or the “must-do” components), exploration of common barriers, and brainstorming for successful implementation. Far too often, educators attend sessions where they learn a new tool or strategy, but they do not have the chance to practice it before returning to the classroom.
This session aims to break that trend by allowing educators to engage in the lesson with real-time coaching and support. Resources developed by the presenters, as well as tried-and-true cultivated supports, will be shared so all participants can leave the session ready to jump in.
Recognizing that "All Means All" requires a team effort, the final portion of the day focuses on implementation coaching. Drawing from our previous Closing the Gap conference sessions, "Taming the Advice Monster" and "Coaching for AAC Success" sessions, we will provide participants with tools to lead other educators through this transition. We will address the "how" of data collection in an emergent environment, showing how to track "small wins" in engagement and intent that traditional assessments often miss.
By the end of the day, the room will be a "literacy lab." Attendees will leave not just with ideas, but tangible resources and the confidence to jump into literacy instruction the moment they return to their buildings. Whether they are starting from scratch or refining a seasoned program, participants will leave with a roadmap for sustainable change.