Eastern Shore Writing Project Educates Teachers, Students

SALISBURY, MD -- Teachers and their students are enhancing their writing skills through two separate programs this month at Salisbury University.

As part of the Eastern Shore Writing Project, the University offers its 2004 Student Writers Workshop from Monday, July 7-Friday, July 18. Through the workshop, students in grades three to 10 receive peer writing reviews, an hour and a half of daily computer time and personal instruction from teachers in Wicomico and Worcester counties who are also teacher-consultants with the project.

Students write on topics of their choice. At the end of the session, their works are published in an anthology. Community members are cordially invited to view the students’ work during an open house from 9:30 a.m.-noon Friday, July 18, in Room 111 of SU’s Fulton Hall.

The Eastern Shore Writing Project’s Summer Institute focuses on the teaching of writing in area schools. Teachers receive training in writing skills through the institute, which is currently underway.

“The basic philosophy of the project is that teachers are the best teachers of other teachers,” said JoAnne Donovan, who is co-coordinating the project with SU English Professor Dr. Elizabeth Curtin.

Under the umbrella of the National Writing Project, the Eastern Shore Writing Project is part of a nationwide movement providing teachers the opportunity to research, write and dialogue with other educators.

“As one of the 175 sites of the National Writing Project, the Eastern Shore Writing Project directly supports teachers who are dedicated to improving their own writing as they improve their instruction of writing,” said Curtin.

Through the institute teachers pursue graduate credit while learning methods to help build their students’ writing abilities. Teachers attending the institute instruct students from kindergarten through college.

“This year's cohort has heard presentations on prewriting, editing, style and much more from past graduates of the writing project,” said Donovan.

Teachers attending this year’s institute offer selected presentations during Visitors Day, from 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, July 24, in the Montgomery Room of SU’s Commons. The public is cordially invited.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.