Tell Me More: Conferring with Writers, Authors, and Storytellers

Quality writing conferences happen in the context of a community of learners. The relationships and trust teachers build make these moments joyful, authentic, and effective. Rooted in a pedagogy of listening and kidwatching, Stella Villalba explores how artists, writers, and storytellers compose their lives through multimodal, multigenre, and multilingual expression—and how those same principles can shape meaningful writing instruction.

Through five pedagogical threads and a Cycle of Dialogic Encounters, Villalba breaks down the intentional, reflective work of teachers in helping students flourish as writers and creators. Her integration of multilingual learners’ experiences underscores the power of culturally and linguistically sustaining pedagogy.

With photos and classroom examples, Tell Me More offers practical ways to design and sustain effective writing conferences. Readers will find strategies for listening with purpose, asking responsive questions, and guiding students in identifying next steps for their writing. Villalba demonstrates how authentic dialogue transforms conferring into a collaborative practice that nurtures student voice, affirms students’ funds of knowledge, and deepens every learner’s connection to the craft of writing.

Grades K–6