Writing Workshop Overview
Dec 23, 2015
CCSS and Writing Workshop
The standards are like the building code. Architects and builders must attend to them but they are not the purpose of their design…the house to be built or renovated is designed to meet the needs of the client in a functional and pleasing manner-while also meeting the building code along the way. (Wiggins and McTighe)
CCSS and Writing WorkshopStandards Skills / Strategies Addressed WW Connection
W 1 - 3 Narrative, Opinion, and Informational Writing
Units of Study
W 4 Clear, developed, and organized Minilessons / Teaching Points
W 5 Plan, revise, edit Writing Process
W 6 Use technology to produce/publish Publishing, Celebration
W 7 Conduct short research projects Units of Study
W 8 Recall / gather info from print, take notes
Units of Study
W 9 Draw evidence Units of Study
W10 Write routinely over extended time Daily Writing Workshop
Writing Workshop Basics
Philosophy of Writing Workshop
Writing Workshop is not a program - it is an approach that…
• Encourages independence• Gives writers a high degree of choice within a framework
and genre• Has a regular and consistent structure• Builds stamina and volume in writing – Students write
everyday! • Teachers teach writing everyday!• Focuses on the PROCESS of writing, not just the PRODUCT• Uses literature to teach the craft of writing
Writing Workshop Basics
Materials
Pens (black and colors)Writing Folders (K-2)Writing Notebooks and Drafting Folders (3-
6)Teacher Notebook and FolderPaper ChoicesChartsMentor TextsOther* (staplers, tape, revision strips etc.)* Teach them how to use it before you put it out!
Structure of a Day
Parts of a Writing Workshop
• Set Up Routine 2-3 minutes
• Mini Lesson 8-12 minutes
• Independent Writing Time 25-40 minutes
Mid Workshop Interruption
Partner Work Strategy Group Lesson Conferences
• Teaching Share 5-10 minutes
Structure of a Day
The Mini Lesson
• Has one clear teaching point that is stated multiple times
• Lasts only 8-12 minutes• Has 4 parts:
• Connection• Teach• Active Engagement• Link
Structure of a Day
The Mini Lesson• Connection: Students learn why today’s instruction is important
to them as writers and how the lesson relates to their prior work. The teaching point is stated.
“Yesterday, we…” “I noticed…” “Today I want to teach you…”
Structure of a Day
The Mini Lesson
• Teach: The teacher shows the students how writers go
about doing whatever is being taught. We may teach by demonstrating (modeling how and when writers use this strategy or concept in their work rather than simply telling what writers do); explaining and showing an example; involving the class in a shared inquiry; or taking them through guided practice.
“Watch me…” “Today I will show you…”
Structure of a Day
The Mini Lesson
• Active Engagement: After we teach something, students are given a
chance to quickly practice what has just been taught or to share noticings about the demonstration in order to understand a kind of thinking about writing that they can try in their own
work.
“Now it’s your turn to try…” “Turn to your partner…”
Structure of a Day
The Mini Lesson
• Link: The teacher reiterates what has just been taught, adding it
to student’s growing repertoire. Students are reminded that today’s lesson pertains not only to today, but to every day and to strengthen their writing for the specific unit inquiry.
“Today and every day…”“Off you go…”
Structure of a Day
Teaching Share• At the end of the workshop, writers come
together to culminate the day’s work. The teacher may highlight the work of a student, retell a conference, or prepare for the next workshop session. Students may reflect on their work with a partner or table group.
• The teacher may also choose to include a daily edit focused on grammar or conventions at the end of the share.