Writing Workshop
Overview
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 Workshop
Standards
Skills / Strategies Addressed
WW Connection
W1-3
Narrative, Opinion, and Informational
Writing
Units of Study
W4
Clear, developed, and organized
Minilessons /
Teaching Points
W5
Plan, revise, edit
Writing Process
W6
Use technology to produce/publish
Publishing,
Celebration
W7
Conduct short research projects
Units of Study
W8
Recall / gather info from print, take
notes
Units of Study
W9
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
Room Environment
Meeting Area in the classroom (even in
upper grades)
Writing Workshop Basics
Room Environment
Writing Center
Writing Workshop Basics
Materials
Pens (black and colors)
Writing Folders (K-2)
Writing Notebooks and Drafting Folders (3-6)
Teacher Notebook and Folder
Paper Choices
Charts
Mentor Texts
Other* (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
Set Up Routine
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
Independent Writing Time
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.
Overall structure of a Unit
Writing Process for Upper Grades
Overall structure of a Unit
Writing Process for Primary Grades