1. Writer’s workshop Conferencing . . . Conferring . . . Whatever!

2. Conference basics Why? When? Give praise Daily Find teaching points
Help students grow
When?
Daily
Any point in the writing process
Every kid every week
Where?
Student desk
Special place in room
How Long?
Initial = 5-10 min.
Follow-Up = 3-5 min.
Specific Focus = 5-15 min.

3. Writing Conference Card
Bolded questions are asked by the teacher.
What piece are you working on today?
What is one thing you’ve done well?
What is one thing you could improve?
Student writes one thing to improve on a sticky note.
Review the selection or a piece of the selection.
Give at least two praises.
Make 1-2 suggestions on sticky notes.
What will you do next?
What can I do to help?
Decide when you will follow-up.

4. Teacher sticky notes
Teacher gives students guidance on where to improve
Teacher can use them for a follow-up
Entire Paper
CHECK CONVENTIONS
Add end punctuation
Check capitalization at beginning of sentences
Par. 1
ADD DETAILS
Describe your dog’s looks.
Fur, eyes, ears, tail, etc.
3-5 sentences.

5. Student sticky notes
Students can take ownership of finding things to improve
Students make changes suggested by the teacher
Par. 1
ADD DETAILS
My dog’s hair is black as night and shines like the stars. His ears sit on top of his head like perfect little soldiers standing at attention. His eyes are the color of the sea.
Entire Paper
WORK ON
Figurative Language
Complete Sentences

6. Writing Tracking Sheet
Why do it?
Keep track of student progress (Data)
How do you do it?
Individual vs. Class
How do you use the info?
Schedule follow-ups
Create small groups
Create leveled stations
Where do you keep them?
Binder
Clipboard
Folders
Digital Files

7. CLASS Tracking Sheet Key X = met with student Green = positives
Robinson’s Class Writing Conference Notes Six Weeks # 1
Date
9/1
9/2
9/3
9/4
9/5
Notes
Lee X  X
plan, focus, lead
Landyn X 
plan, focus, figurative language
Justin
figurative language, focus, sentence structure
Kaleb
plan, lead, focus
Jayla
plan, lead, focus, sentence structure
Key
X = met with student
Green = positives
Red = things to improve
Green Highlight = student improved

8. Individual Tracking Sheet
Laynee Jones Writing Conference Notes Robinson SW # 1
Date: 9/1
Date: 9/2
Date: 9/5
Date: 9/7
Plan
Focus
Lead
Figurative Language
Sentence Structure
Details
Transitions
Capitalization
Key
Green = positives
Red = things to improve

9. Questions How can you implement this in your classroom?
What is your “take-away” from today?
What questions do you have for me?