Launching Writers Workshop with intentionality is the key to success. The launch is more about the expectations and procedures rather than the writing. Forming habits with your students to engage in writing lessons and independent writing builds a community that looks forward to working on their craft. While students will be writing during the launch, the teacher's time is focused on student behaviors and complimenting the positive behaviors being observed. Since students need to experience the workshop model, a lesson is still presented to the students daily. To put it in simple terms, the kids are writing and the teacher is monitoring. With a successful launch, writing could possibly end up being your favorite part of the day.
Writers Workshop in the Classroom
If you're just starting out with Writers' Workshop, you might be surprised by how much kids enjoy this time. I'm fairly certain kids like when their teachers stop talking and just let them work. But I also think kids enjoy Writers' Workshop because it can be such a calm and peaceful time.
Imagine students choosing a spot to sit, the lights are dim, and soft music is playing. Now your classroom doesn't need to look like that, but that's how I like it.
Here are some ideas for Writer's Workshop Organization.
You can also think of writing as an art. Think back to a time when your students were doing an art project and their whole demeanor changed. The kids were kinder to one another, they're more patient, and just plain creative. That's what writing can look like. If the environment has that feeling of a soothing activity where kids are free to be creative and make mistakes, they'll love writing time.
Writers Workshop Structure
The structure of Writers' Workshop has three parts: mini lesson, independent writing, and share.
Depending on the grade level, the mini lesson will range from 7 to 10 minutes. It is relatively quick and straight to the point.
Independent Writing takes the biggest chunk of time. It ranges in time from 20 to 30 minutes. Below I explain how students need to build stamina to write for extended periods of time.
The share is quick, but necessary. Giving students the opportunity to share helps build a writing community and allows them to be comfortable sharing their craft.
Read about Writer's Workshop Procedures and Routines for more ideas.
Building Writing Stamina
Just like building stamina for a marathon, students need to build stamina for Writers' Workshop. Depending on the grade level, students are asked to write for 20-30 minutes. That's a long time!
In order for Writers' Workshop to work, students need to be able to work independently for a period of time. And like any activity that requires building stamina, it takes time and practice; keep this in mind.
As you launch Writers' Workshop, set goals for your students. Communicate those goals and keep their successes posted. For example, graph the amount of time students were able to write without interruptions during Writers' Workshop.
The Writers Workshop Mini Lesson
The workshop mini lesson has five components: connect, teaching point, engagement, link, and share.
Connect
In the first step of Writers' Workshop, the teacher makes a connection by reminding students of the previous lesson. For example, “Writers, we learned that authors can make their characters talk by adding a speech bubble.”
This is to remind students of what they have learned and it's also a convenient way to let them know we need to continue using what we've learned.
Teaching Point
The teaching point states the objective for the day's lesson. It tells the kids what they're going to be learning. For example, “Today I want to teach you that writers can show a character's thoughts by using a thought cloud.”
This is quick and get the student ready for learning.
Engagement
The third component includes modeling and guided practice. The teacher models. Then students practice with a partner, Finally, the students try on their own. This is also known as “I do, we do, you do.”
With each practice, the students are given corrective feedback to ensure they are performing the task correctly.
Link
Once the practice is complete, the teacher will link the lesson by reminding the students of what they just learned and to continue practicing.
For example, “Writers remember to add thought clouds to your stories to show what your characters are thinking and to make your writing more interesting.”
Share
A share gives students the opportunity to talk about what they're working on with a writing partner. It can also be a chance for the teacher to share something he/she noticed during Writers' Workshop that she'd like the students to try. For example, “Writers, today I noticed Mia using the sound wall to help her spell words. Next time you're having trouble with a word, try using the sound wall.”
Not only did you remind the kids of something they should be doing, but Mia feels like a superstar.
Read Writing Buddies Make Great Writing Partnerships.
Writers Workshop Lesson Plan
If you're feeling ambitious and excited to write your own lesson plans to launch your workshop, I have an outline for you. But if you're just looking for ideas or examples, l also have something for you.
Once you become comfortable with the structure, you'll be able to present a lesson with your eyes closed.
Writing Workshop Curriculum
Most of us teachers are busy, tired, have other things on their plates. . . And this is why I created Launching Writers' Workshop. It's a pre made set of lesson plans that will free up your time, and allow you to focus your attention other places.
Each of the lessons the Launching Writers' Workshop has an easy to follow lesson plan and slides. Just project and go!
You'll find each component of the mini lesson and all printable materials at your fingertips.
But there's more. . . these lessons can be left for a sub. Whether it's a day or an extended period of time, your lessons can simply say, “Refer to the writing lesson.”
Launching Writers Workshop has what you need to Launch Writers Workshop for a successful year.
