Each day as part of our language arts block, the children participate in a Writing Workshop. During this time, the children are able to work on techniques that authors use. We study specific authors and figure out things that they do that we can also incorporate into our writing.
Like reading, everything takes practice, so the Writing Workshop allows the children to practice writing about what they want to write about.
Just like the reading workshop, writing workshop is broken up into 3 parts:
Like reading, everything takes practice, so the Writing Workshop allows the children to practice writing about what they want to write about.
Just like the reading workshop, writing workshop is broken up into 3 parts:
Mini Lesson
During the mini lesson, the class gathers as a group to discuss a technique or strategy used by authors. This might also include figurative language, sound devices, pacing, descriptions, etc. It will usually tie into what we are doing in our reading workshop, and sometimes what we are doing during our spelling/usage studies. After discussing the item of the day, the students are dismissed to practice using this skill. (5-10 minutes) |
Independent Daily Writing
After the mini lesson, students work in their Writer's Notebook to collect entries that may later become published pieces of writing. The total writing time lasts for about 35-40 minutes, but during that time some students may be involved in conferences with the teacher or with their peers. Students choose entries in their notebooks to take into "draft form." It is these carefully selected pieces of writing that will be taken through the process of editing and revising so that they can be published and shared with others. All entries in the Writer's Notebook do not become published prices of writing. All published writing is added to each student's Writing Portfolio, and some pieces will even be put into student created books. (30-40 minutes) |
Closing
At the end of writing workshop everyday, students are brought back together for a 5-10 minute group share and reflection. When students sign up to share or are asked to share, they take a seat in our coveted "Author's Chair." Sometimes a writer might come to the author's chair to ask for help or receive feedback from his or her classmates ("I like my story, but I can't think of a good title."). The author might also want to share part of an entry of which he or she is especially proud. (5-10 minutes) |
Writer's Notebook
The Writer's Notebook is an important part of our writing instruction. The students use it to jot ideas for stories, write short about ideas they want to explore more, and write long to describe very important ideas. It is also a place where the students can take notes on the mini lessons.
The Writer's Notebook is an important part of our writing instruction. The students use it to jot ideas for stories, write short about ideas they want to explore more, and write long to describe very important ideas. It is also a place where the students can take notes on the mini lessons.