Elements of Writing Workshop

Time- a specific time will be set aside each day for writing workshop and conferencing with the teacher about the student's writing.

Space- a specific place will be set aside for writing with items including but not limited to:

• writing paper
  
• publishing supplies


• pictionary


• letter formats


• markers, pencils, pens


• white out


• envelopes


• topic lists

Mini-Lessons- specific types of lessons for writing workshop will be used to help students with thier writing, including but not limited to:

Procedural- (how to topics)

• How to choose a topic


• How to be ready for a teacher/student conference


• How to be a peer editor


• What to do if you cannot spell a word

Literary-

• Fiction and non-fiction


• Author/poet/illustrator studies


• Character developement


• Showing rather than telling


• Organization

Strategies/Skills-

• Tips for reading aloud


• Revision and editing strategies


• Punctuation and grammar skills


• Using editing marks


• Using technology to improve writing
  

Sharing Time- students will be encouraged to share their stories, poems, letters etc. There will be a sign up system the students must follow. If they do not sign up to share for that day, they will not be able to share. When they are not sharing they will be good listeners. Students are not required to share although it is strongly suggested.

Conferencing- there are several ways to conference with students, it depends on the struggles and achievements they are having.

Peer (student-on-student)-

• When students peer conference with each other it can sometimes be like the blind leading the blind. Therefore we will use the sandwich or (OREO) theory. The students will always lead with something positive to say about each others writing, this is one side of the cookie. Next, the students will issue some suggestions they have for each other. This is also known as the cream filling! Lastly, they will end with something else positive about each other's writing. This works because it gets kids talking and teaches them how to give appropriate feedback.

Whole Class-

• Whole class conferences will be used when a majority of the students are having the same struggles. This way everyone can learn without anyone feeling singled out.

Small Group-

• Small group conferences will be used with a group of students share similar needs. (i.e. editing, topic choice, publishing)

Individual-

• Individual conferences will be used to fix two or three key things. This will be done side by side with the instructor. The instructor will use a variety of techniques to help the student, she will be sensitive to the writers feelings, use sticky notes instead of writing on the paper and never take the paper away from the student. It is a team effort to make the writing the best it can be.