Writing Everyday

A Look At Writer’s Workshop

What Does Writer’s Workshop Look Like?

Components of Writer’s Workshop:

• Teaching Point(5-15 minutes)
• Independent Writing, Student Practice (20-40 minutes) *conferencing happens during this time)
• Reflection partner, individual(10-20 minutes)

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We Need to Develop a Plan for Writing Instruction

Teaching Point

Teaching Point

Teach the writer, not the writing. - Lucy Calkins

• A good place to find your mini lesson is to use your students’ writing samples. You may notice students need support in the following areas:

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Modeling

* Students need to see teachers model writing. Modeling is a step by step process and should highlight your teaching point.

For example, if your teaching point is focused on organization (BME) and you are wanting the students to practice this, model it for your students.

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Mentor Text

A read aloud is a powerful way to use mentor texts for classroom writing experiences and engage students in the process. Choose mentor texts that are culturally responsive and reflect the students in your room.

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Organization

Ideas

Language use

Narrative

Retell

Making

Connections

Character

Traits

Anchor Charts

*Co-creating anchor charts around a teaching point provides clear expectations for students. It also provides students with a visual that will support them during their practice.

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Independent Writing

Independent Writing

After explicit teaching (mini lesson) students now have time for independent practice. Some things to keep in mind during independent writing:

• Students should keep a record of their writing. (Journal, Google Docs, folder, notebook, etc.)
• Writing goals and targets are clear for students.
• Students should have choice in their writing.
• Flexible seating gives students choice and allows them to get comfortable and limit distractions.
• Providing a variety of writing materials such as colored pens and paper can motivate students.
• Student writing should be displayed in the classroom. When writing is displayed and students can see their growth as writers and they know their writing is valued.

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Record of Writing

• When students have a record of their writing they are able to see their growth as writers.
• Students are able to reflect back on their earlier pieces of writing and see the areas they have grown and also look for areas they may want to work on. (setting their our goals and targets)

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Goals and Targets

• When we confer with our students during writer’s workshop we are able to determine where they need to grow as writers.
• Setting writing goals with our students allows them to know what they are working on as writers, and creates authenticity in their writing.
• Goals should be visible for students.
• Once students met their writing goal, it is important to create another goal or have them decide what they want their goal to be (seeing themselves a growing writers).

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Flexible Seating

• When students have choice of where they can sit and write it allows them to feel empowered and more connected to their writing.
• Flexible seating does not happen on it’s own, it requires modelling and co-creating expectations that will allow it to be successful.

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Displaying Student’s Writing

When writing is displayed students can see their growth as writers and they know their writing is valued.

Conferencing

• Conferencing with students about their writing is an important part of writer’s workshop.
• When students have regular opportunities to meet and talk about their writing, develop goals, and learn strategies to meet those goals they are able to grow in the writing process.
• In order for our writing conferences to be successful, students need to know what counts during this time.

Reflection

Reflection

Why is it important for students to share their writing?

When students are given daily opportunities to share their writing they have an authentic purpose and authentic audience. Students who share their writing can see themselves as writers.

What does sharing look like in the classroom?

Students can share their writing individually (2 stars and a wish) or with a partner.

Do students have to share their writing everyday?

Yes, it is important to make time for sharing every day.

Key Messages

In order for our students to grow as writers they need:

• To see themselves as writers.
• Daily practice that focuses around teaching points, goals and targets.
• To confer and receive feedback about their writing.
• A safe place to share and display their writing.
• Time alloted daily to reflect and share their writing.

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