Writer’s Workshop

What is Writer’s Workshop? Writing Workshop is a framework for writing instruction and practice in the classroom.

Components of Writer’s Workshop Writers Workshop follows a predictable pattern of: Mini-Lessons (10-15 Min) Independent Writing and Conferences (30-40) Sharing or Read alouds (5-10)

What are Mini-Lessons? A mini-lesson is explicit instruction in a specific writing technique taught in a short period of time that usually occurs at the beginning of Writers Workshop. Four types of Mini-Lessons are common. Procedures, Organization, Routine. Strategies and Process Skills Craft and Technique

Independent Writing Students draw and then write. Students determine the topics they write about. Students use a writing folder or notebook to organize their writing. The teacher role is facilitator…circulating around the room, monitoring, encouraging, conferencing, and providing held as needed.

Conferences Conferences occurs during independent writing time of the workshop. The teacher and teaching parents conference with individual students-sometimes it may be 2 or 3 if there is a specific skill that needs to be worked on We always allow “writing time” before conferences start. If the child has a blank paper, you can say “tell me about the story you are going to write today.” Often times conferences occur in a corner of the room or a predetermined area.

Sharing This is an integral part of Writer’s Workshop. Students are given the opportunity to share a piece of their writing. This time allows writers to learn from each other, and to see/hear good examples of writing. The time also gives student the opportunity and practice speaking orally in front of the class.

Procedures for Writing Workshop Procedures make the classroom run smoothly. Procedures may include how to set up supplies on the desks, where to find your group list for conferences, etc. What needs to be out and available for the kids.

Procedures for Writing Workshop Listen to the mini lesson Prep folders on desk while I give lesson Go in the order of names assigned Always use sticky notes when writing notes to child- do not write on his/her paper Use a quiet voice when conferencing Do not worry about spelling, punctuation, or capitalization Encourage being fearless/brave spellers- we don’t spell for kids in WW Always be positive

How to conference TROTS Tell me what you are working on. Repeat it! Outstanding! Teach me something Summarize …conferences should not last more than 5 minutes

What we are writing #1 Small Moments Requirements: About you and True Recent Small Moment/Big Moment Scoring the winning goal in soccer/soccer game Seeing a butterfly on the yard/ playing outside Finding the perfect shell on the beach/going to the beach

Visualize it… Starts as a Pumpkin (BIG MOMENT) That is the day/event Then you open it up and see all the seeds- those seeds are the stories. When a story covers too much- I often call it a pumpkin patch story. ….we’re searching for the seeds-one seed per story.

#2 How To/ All About Non Fiction Kids are the experts How To- fly a kite, brush your teeth, make a pizza, etc All About- cats, pokemon, winter (something they are the expert on)

#3 Persuasive/Opinion In my opinion, _________ is the best season of all. Here are three reasons why. Or I must go _____this summer. These are the reasons why.

Publishing Party published stories You will be invited to come to the room and hear your child read YOU the stories. We don’t read aloud for all others to hear. We celebrate them as writer’s and have apple cider and treats. Date: TBD

Benefits of Writer’s Workshop Prioritizes writing instruction. There is no time wasted for students waiting for other students to finish. Students develop motivation and the independence to become writers. Students learn to evaluate their own writing in order to improve it. The more children write… and write about what really matters to them… the greater chance to grow into able thinkers. Sets a collaborative tone in the classroom. Addresses the need for differentiated instruction.

When you’re done, you’ve just begun

Questions?