1. The Writing Conference Empowering Students for Writing Success

2. The Writers Workshop Whole group instruction-10-15 min. –The teacher does direct instruction on a mini lesson/ a focus lesson based on need. Writing Time- 50 min. –Students are writing or rewriting. –The teacher conducts writing conferences. Sharing- 10-15 min. –Students share what they have written.

3. Purpose of the Conference To help improve students’ writing skills To focus on the critical areas that need attention To engage in an informal conversation of the student’s writing To empower students to make changes

4. Format of the Conference The student comes to the conference with his/her paper. They come prepared with questions. The teacher has a list of focused questions to ask about the paper. The student leaves with answers and changes to make to their paper. It could be an individual or small group conference. The conference can begin with the student reading portions of their paper aloud.

5. The Role of the Teacher The teacher is a coach to the student writer. The teacher acts as a facilitator. The teacher asks questions.

6. The Role of the Student The student brings a product for review. The student seeks answers to question they have. The student revisits the paper for corrections, additions, or deletions.

7. The Tone of the Conference The teacher should set the tone of the conference. It should be a positive, friendly, cooperative exchange between the teacher and the student writer

8. Time Frame The conference should last no more than 5-10 minutes. Everyone must come prepared for the conference.

9. Questions The teacher and student will come with questions they need answered about the paper.

10. Keeping Track It is important for the teacher to keep track of the conferences they have with students and the outcome of those conferences.

11. Instructional Implications The questions/answers and suggestions from the writing conference can provide teachers with data on what to reteach.

12. Rewriting Once students have received a score on their paper, they should be given the opportunity to rewrite the paper. This is part of the writing process.

13. Writing Conference Simulation Writing Conference Simulation You will pair with another person. One of you will take on the role of the teacher, and the other will take on the role of the student writer. You will be given a list of questions to ask the student.

14. The End