Elements of Writing Workshop

A writing workshop is an organized way of setting up the classroom to encourage students to write. There are several elements to consider of conducting a writing workshop.

Time: I want the students to have a chance to write at least 3 times a week for 35 minutes.

Space: The desks are arranged in small groups for collaboration. We have a writing corner that includes access to any materials that writers may need.

Mini-lessons:
During these short lessons, I will teach children about writing while giving specific instruction that may include procedural lessons, literary lessons, or strategies/skills for writing.
Procedural (possible examples)
• How to choose a topic
• How to be ready for a teacher/student conference
• What to do if you can’t spell a word
• How to be a peer editor
Literary (possible examples)
• Fiction and non-fiction (fact)
• Figurative language
• Point of view of the writer
• Author/poet/illustrator studies
Strategies/Skills (possible examples)
• Tips for reading aloud
• Revision and editing strategies
• Story mapping, outlining, webbing
• Using transitional words

Writing time: I will provide structure at first in how long they write and where they need to be in the classroom. During writing time, they are encouraged to write for the whole time allotted and I will also be doing mini-conferences with the students.

Read aloud time: Students are allowed to share their writing in the writers' chair.