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First Thursdays

The LSU Writing Project is the proud sponsor of “First Thursdays,” normally held at La Carreta's restaurant on Government Street in Baton Rouge, LA beginning at 4:00 PM.

First Thursdays is an informal gathering of teacher of the LSU Writing Project.  LSU Writing Project teacher consultants can attend without having to prepare anything formally.  It began as a response to TCs who wanted a way to stay connected with one another throughout the year.  The desire was for an informal gathering that could serve as a discussion forum and trouble-shooting session for teachers who were actively engaged in implementing new writing strategies and techniques in their classrooms.  It started out with just a few very concerned participants.  It has become an important way for interested members to learn about other ways to participate in the writing project.  It is a time for teacher-consultants to share ideas, ask for guidance, and reflect on their own writing practice.  Over time, attendance has ebbed and flowed and participants have come and gone--mostly because of the increasing demands for time placed on teachers. 

No two gatherings are exactly alike.  Meeting agendas grow from the concerns and reflections of the participants.  One month the discussion may revolve around how to maintain a meaningful writing program despite demands for a focus on high-stakes testing; another month the discussion may focus on how to get students involved in local and state writing contests; yet another may focus on ways to increase the vocabulary of English Language Learners through reading and writing activities.  The informality of these gatherings encourages everyone to participate.  It also allows TCs to admit the short comings of a lesson they thought would be a worthwhile activity and to ask for “professional” advice from fellow teachers on how to revamp the lesson.  No one walks away from our monthly gatherings on the first Thursday of the month without having something to add to his/her teaching “toolbox.” 

Participants should bring a notebook or writing pad, student work to share, books enjoyed by their students that have led to worthwhile activities, ideas TCs are trying to develop, new activities they are excited about, or problems they would like help in solving.

Cynthia H. Edmonston
History Instructor
Louisiana State University Laboratory School
cedmon1@lsu.edu