Writer's Workshop
What is Writer's Workshop?
Writer's Workshop is a framework for writing instruction and practice in the classroom. Typically about 45-50 minutes long, Writer's Workshop follows a predictable pattern during which teachers engage students in the following components:
Minilessons (5-10 minutes)
Independent Writing (20-30 minutes)
Conferencing with students (during independent writing)
Sharing (5-10 minutes)
- Writer's Workshop occurs daily
- Students determine the topics they will write about
- Students use a notebook or folder to organize their writing
- Students within the same class may be at varying stages of the writing process
- The teacher takes on the role of facilitator...circulating throughout the room, monitoring, conferring, and providing help as needed.
Benefits of Writer's Workshop
- Prioritizes writing instruction
- There is no time with students wasted waiting for other students to finish because each student work at his or her own pace
- Students develop independence and motivation to develop as writers
- Students learn to develop their own writing in order to improve it
- The more children write...and write about what really matters to them...the greater their chances of growing into independent and critical thinkers
- Sets a collaborative tone in the classroom
- Addresses the need for differentiated instruction
"We need to teach every child to write. Almost every day, every K-5 child needs between 50 and 60 minutes for writing and writing instruction."
Lucy Calkins A Guide to the Writing Workshop Grade 3-5 pg 7
