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Welcome to ECTI 2026! You will be able to register for individual workshop sessions on Monday during our intention setting session.
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Using Reading and Writing Instruction to Foster Theory of Mind Development
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:45am - 10:15am CDT
Discovery Building: Room 1260
In this session, participants will be introduced to the concept of Theory of Mind (ToM) and its influence on reading, writing, and social-emotional skills. The development of ToM begins in the preschool years and continues as students understand the thoughts and feelings of others, use words to describe emotions (e.g., happy, angry) and explain mental states (e.g., think, know), and comprehend figurative language, lies, and sarcasm. Recently, ToM has been recognized as an essential component of language comprehension and a skill that is strongly associated with comprehending and producing narrative texts and making inferences. Using mentor texts and writing samples, participants will learn how to select appropriate books, develop writing activities, and utilize effective instructional strategies that foster the develop of ToM for elementary learners in grades K-5. 

In this session, you will:
  • Describe Theory of Mind and its importance for reading, writing, and social-emotional development.
  • Identify appropriate mentor texts and writing activities that foster Theory of Mind development.
  • Demonstrate effective instructional strategies that foster the develop of Theory of Mind. 
Presenters
avatar for Beverly Trezek

Beverly Trezek

Associate Professor, RPSE, UW-Madison
Beverly Trezek is an Associate Professor and the Tashia F. Morgridge Distinguished Chair in Reading in the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Trezek’s research focuses on teacher preparation in reading as well... Read More →
avatar for Lauren Zepp

Lauren Zepp

Assistant Professor, Special Education, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
Lauren Zepp (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses on special education, reading and writing interventions for students with disabilities, and reading... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:45am - 10:15am CDT
Discovery Building: Room 1260 330 N Orchard St, Madison, WI 53715, USA
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