Words Change Worlds

"When teaching grade one I noticed how language — specifically learning to read and write — empowered students. This idea has captivated me since. Join me in my quest to change the world through words."
-Karen Filewych

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What people are saying

Thank you for the wonderful month of learning and inspiration. We have loved having you in our school and the "buzz" around writing among staff and students has been exciting!

Kendall Monti
Learning Coach, Landing Trail School

Karen, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom, experience, and most importantly your passion with us. It is contagious in the most positive way - the chatter and excitement with our staff is palpable and we are looking forward to continuing to learn with you.

Rebecca Martini Assistant Principal

Karen’s passion for literacy easily comes across in her lessons to the children. I have been a classroom teacher for 25 years, and I was very impressed with how my students were genuinely engaged in lessons that were tailored specifically to activities we were working on in our class. I look forward to welcoming Karen and her expertise into my class again!

Warren Letchford Edmonton Teacher

Expectations for our provincial-wide annual event are always high and Karen Filewych did not fail to deliver! Attendee feedback was off the charts for Karen. Her knowledge of the topic, connecting to our province’s ELA curriculum, organization, ease to work with and ability to connect with a ‘virtual’ audience were exceptional. Karen’s presentation was bursting with unique ideas, and real-life examples linking her own experiences as an educator and writer resonated with her audience. Teachers left energized and eager to use what they learned with their students. We hope to work again with Karen one day soon!

Jackie Parsons 2021 MTS PD Day Chair
Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg

It was an AMAZING PD day today. Thank you SO much for your wisdom. I learned a ton and I am excited about changing the way I teach writing with my students! I wish we could have kept going today!

Shauna Leferink Manitoba Teacher

This week on the Words Change Worlds blog

Cue the Fist Pump

Posted on March 16, 2025 by Karen Filewych

During every writing residency, I have at the same exchange at least a few times.

“Read me what you wrote today.”

“I don’t know how to read.”

“Yes, you do! Read as I point to your words.”

Often I say the first word or two, but then I get the student to ‘read’ the rest. Because our youngest writers have drawn first and the writing is scaffolded, they are able to ‘read’ as we point to one word at a time.

“I knew you knew how to read!”

Sometimes we have to convince students they are readers and writers, showing our confidence in them until they find their own. For many, this is an important step in the journey!

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