Writer’s Workshop Grades K-12 Ginger Rowe and Beth Brabham MISD Elementary and Secondary ELAR Coordinators

Writer’s Workshop Framework Elementary Secondary Mini-Lesson (10-15 minutes) “Status of the Class” (2 minutes) Writing/Conferencing (20-40 minutes) Sharing time (5-10 minutes) Mini-Lesson (10 minutes) “Status of the Class” (2 minutes) Writing/Conferencing (25 minutes) Sharing time (5 minutes) Beth

Differences between a writing class and Writer’s Workshop Writing Workshop All students work on the same prompt. The focus is on the finished product. Most work is done outside of class. Students may not internalize corrections. Production is the goal. Students usually choose their own topics. The focus is on the entire writing process. All writing is done in class. Teacher and student discuss written work together. Practice is the goal. Beth

Snapshot of the Classroom during Writer’s Workshop Students are: Teacher is: Writing! Conferencing Publishing Modeling Conferencing Beth

Mini-Lessons Are… Direct Instruction Short Thinking Aloud (Open your brain!) Authentic! (Taught in Context) Ginger

What is TAUGHT in a Mini-Lesson? Procedures (i.e., to turn in work) Process (i.e., how to keep track of where a student is in the process) Genre (i.e., components of expository) Writer’s Craft (i.e., word choice, voice) Ginger

Status of the Class Quick check of where students are Accountability Focus for today’s work Ginger

Ginger

Writing and Conferencing Writing Time *Students are: -writing -collaborating -publishing *Teacher is: -conferencing (individually or small group), writing, reviewing student data/goals Beth

Steps in a Conference Research—observe and interview students on their writing. Compliment/support—be specific in naming something the student has done well. Tie them to previous mini-lessons. Decide and teach—go with the student’s plan for writing, or you alter the plan. Name one thing that needs to be addressed that would have the biggest impact on the writing. Guided practice. Link—name what the student has done as a writer. Beth

Questions/Statements to Guide Conferencing What are you working on as a writer? You are looking at ways to make your writing better. That is what writer’s do. Last week we were working on…I see that you are doing that. I would like to compliment you on… Did you notice how the author used… CAN YOU ADD MORE?? Beth

Whole Class (Author’s Chair) Small Group Partner Sharing Time Whole Class (Author’s Chair) Small Group Partner Beth