Open House 2013

What is Writer’s Workshop? Writer’s Workshop is a framework for writing instruction and practice in the classroom.

Components of Writer’s Workshop Writer’s Workshop is predictable. Our routine will most often follow this pattern: Journal Write minutes) Mini lesson – 10 minutes) Independent Writing -40 minutes) Sharing (when we are ready!)

Step One: Journal Writing Students use journals to explore topics that might become larger papers (potential seeds for writing ideas) Drawing Poetry Sensory imagery Lists Etc.

Step Two: Mini Lessons Mini lessons are explicit instructions given about various writing techniques. There are different types of mini lessons. For example: Basic procedures and general organization of writing Strategies and processes for writing Writing skills Author’s craft and writing techniques

Step Three: Independent Writing Your children will always practice improving their writing skills and abilities in this class. Eventually*, they will be selecting their own topics for which to write. Your children will use a Writer’s Notebook and/or a writing folder to help with organization. Each child is expected to work at his/her own rate. Everyone will be at different places in the process.

* Our first writing assignment will be a well-explained, step-by-step walk through of the writing process. It will take our group several weeks to form an idea and then work through the writing process together. We will learn how to make (and take!) suggestions based on the six traits of writing.

6 Traits of Writing 1. Content 2. Organization 3. Voice 4. Word choice 5. Sentence fluency 6. Conventions We will use rubrics to help identify strengths and weaknesses within each of these traits.

Step Four: Sharing Sharing ones’ work is an integral part of Writer’s Workshop. Children have the opportunity to share their hard work with others. This part of the process helps writers learn from others’ work/ hear good examples.

My Role as Facilitator Your children can expect me to : Circulate the room Monitor their progress/ process Encourage them to try new things Conference with them regularly Provide any help they may need to hone their skills

Conferences Students will engage in : Individual student-teacher conferences ~ IEP goal monitoring ~ Hone in on areas of both great success and areas in which to grow Peer conferences ~ Students will be trained to serve as competent editors to each other

My Shared Philosophy “Writers do not write with words and convections alone. Children will invest themselves more in their writing if they are allowed – indeed, if they are taught – to select their own topics and to write about subjects that are important to them.” Lucy Caulkins