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

2. 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

3. 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

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

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

6. 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

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

9. Ginger

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

11. 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

12. 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

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