EdWeb: Teaching Tomorrow’s Writers: AI as a Thinking Partner for K–5 Educators

Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025

Time: 2:00-3:00 PM ET

Location: Virtual

For: K-2 teachers, coaches, and administrators

While educators are still navigating the challenges regarding the use of AI in the classroom, including how it aligns to our values around writing instruction—values that center on critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration—there is no doubt that AI has the potential to act as a powerful thinking partner when coaching students through the writing process. But how can AI make your teaching life easier, especially when it comes to teaching writing? And what can teachers model and demonstrate for students, even at the elementary level?

In this edWebinar, we’ll tackle these big questions together. Learn how to integrate AI tools as collaborative allies to inspire creativity, simplify the writing process, and empower young learners to develop strong writing skills. This session will provide practical guidance for:

• Interacting with AI chatbots to brainstorm and refine ideas

• Leveraging AI features built into word-processing tools

• Modeling effective engagement with AI to foster critical thinking and curiosity in students

Using examples from Heinemann’s Units of Study in Writing, 3–5, we’ll also explore how intentional instructional design can help educators strategically use AI to prompt and engage with young writers. Together, we’ll find ways to balance the innovative possibilities of AI with the values that remain central to writing instruction. Reimagine the writing journey—where technology and creativity meet—unlocking every child’s potential! This edWebinar will be of interest to K-5 teachers, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.