What is Writer's Workshop?
Writer's Workshop is an approach to teaching writing that is student-centered. The structure of the writing period is predictable. Each day starts with a brief mini-lesson, at the beginning of writing time, focusing on a specific skill. More often than not, a mentor text is read aloud to display an authentic example of the specific skill. The teacher then models this skill in his or her own writing piece so the students can start to develop the same thought process as real writers.
A large component of Writer's Workshop focuses on students being provided with frequent opportunities of extended periods of time to write on a topic of their choosing. The bulk of the writing block is dedicated to student writing time. During this time, if you walked into the classroom, you would see students working on the teaching point of the day (the one that was taught in the mini-lesson). This skill varies depending on the type of writing piece being completed.
While the students are independently writing with a focus on their teaching point, the teacher is conferencing with students, recording observations, listening to students, giving suggestions and checking in on past recommendations. You may also see them at a small group providing more specialized instruction on a skill.
Writer's Workshop is an approach to teaching writing that is student-centered. The structure of the writing period is predictable. Each day starts with a brief mini-lesson, at the beginning of writing time, focusing on a specific skill. More often than not, a mentor text is read aloud to display an authentic example of the specific skill. The teacher then models this skill in his or her own writing piece so the students can start to develop the same thought process as real writers.
A large component of Writer's Workshop focuses on students being provided with frequent opportunities of extended periods of time to write on a topic of their choosing. The bulk of the writing block is dedicated to student writing time. During this time, if you walked into the classroom, you would see students working on the teaching point of the day (the one that was taught in the mini-lesson). This skill varies depending on the type of writing piece being completed.
While the students are independently writing with a focus on their teaching point, the teacher is conferencing with students, recording observations, listening to students, giving suggestions and checking in on past recommendations. You may also see them at a small group providing more specialized instruction on a skill.
The end of every writing period is a sharing. At this time, students are selected to share their writing piece to the class under the document projector. This is where our writing community shines. The students listening are chosen to give a compliment about the writing piece as well as a suggestion. As students see their peers' work and hear their suggestions, they are typically more likely to take risks and dive deeper into the process.
The end of every writing period is a sharing. At this time, students are selected to share their writing piece to the class under the document projector. This is where our writing community shines. The students listening are chosen to give a compliment about the writing piece as well as a suggestion. As students see their peers' work and hear their suggestions, they are typically more likely to take risks and dive deeper into the process.