WRITER'S WORKSHOP
Writer's workshop is an approach to writing that is perfectly aligned with the principles of differentiation. During writer’s workshop, students write as often as possible for real purposes about things that matter to them.
THE WRITER'S WORKSHOP MODEL ENCOURAGES:
Flexibility
There are opportunities for teachers to work with the whole class, small groups and individuals.
Students may be at different places in the writing process at any given time.
Mini lessons can be differentiated to meet students’ writing needs.
There are options for using technology to support and/or extend learning.
Choice
Students make choices about:
their topic
the genre, style, materials, etc.
their audience
their purpose for writing
Student engagement
Students enjoy writing about things that interest them. They share their writing with others. Confidence and motivation are high.
Respect for the learner
All students are involved in an authentic context for writing.
Struggling students actually get to practice skills in the context of real writing, and create a finished product that makes them proud.
Continuous growth
All students are working at their readiness level so frustration is minimized. Students are supported in demonstrating growth as writers.
Shared responsibility
Students can:
be involved in developing criteria for writing
talk about how authors craft their texts
keep writer’s journals and try out different ideas for writing
reflect on their writing and set goals
keep portfolios with samples of writing that demonstrates growth over time
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Find out more about Writer’s Workshop in the Writing/Production section of Literacy Today.
Write in the Middle: A Workshop for Middle School Teachers is a series of 8 video programs designed to help teachers learn effective practices and strategies to use with secondary students in writing workshops.
LITERACY TODAY IS UNDERSTANDING THE WORD AND THE WORLD.
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