A Day in the Life of Our Writing Workshop (3:46)

A Day in the Life of our Writing Workshop (3:46)

The Focus Lesson: My young writers and I gathered together in the meeting area for a five to ten minute focus lesson on some aspect of writing. We have learned about workshop procedures, how writers get their ideas, stretching out small moments, revision and editing and numerous craft lessons just to name a few.

Using Mentor Texts to Model Writing: I often use picture books as models of good writing. After enjoying the story these mentor texts assist me in teaching about some things such as style, voice, genre and word choice.

Off to Write: Following the focus lesson I send the students off to write. This is where the majority of our time is spent, typically as long as 40-45 minutes. We have worked hard to build this writing stamina and I am very proud at the progress we have made.

A Joyful Time: Students love this time of the day: their freedom of about and choose where they want to do their writing work.

Writing with Friends: Most settle in next to friends where they are often talk with one another about their writing or help each other with spelling. Yes they also occasionally chat about the latest Webkinz purchase or birthday party.

Helping One Another

Or Working Alone: But some children choose to work alone enjoying a little private time allowing one’s self time to become engrossed in their writing.

Getting comfortable: They get comfortable spreading their materials out around them.

Conferencing: While the students are writing I conference with individuals. This is when I can really hone in on the needs of the individual. We talk about many things including what they are working on and how to make it better. It is during this period of time that I really get to know the student as a writer.

Listening, Offering Suggestions and Praise: We often follow up our writing time where the partners share. Here they have the opportunity to listen to a classmate as they read their writing and offer suggestions and praise.

Sharing With Classmates: Or we may share our day’s work with the whole group. This is preferred by most students as they are often very proud of what they have done.

Proud of Our Work

Publishing: Finally at the end of a unit of study the children select a piece of writing that they wish to publish. Publishing takes on many forms ranging from a simple display in the classroom to a digital story using photo shop.