Essentials of Time and Space
Chapter 2 - Writing Workshop - LLLS 4344
Time
- Crucial for students to have frequent, predictable time set aside for them to write
- Scheduled writing time -> Minimum of 3 days a week, 1 hour a day
- Journal writing may be used for Writer's Workshop IF it focuses on helping students feel comfortable with writing. If not, then it best used separately.
- Encourage students to experiment with writing techniques during Writer's Workshop
Student choice is prevalent (important)- 3 Components Present in WW:
1. Whole Group Instruction
2. Time for Writing
3. Response Time (may be done via whole group or small groups)
Mini Lessons Categories:
1. Procedural
How to get/use materials
Where to confer with friends
2. Writer's Process
Strategies to use
Techniques to use
3. Qualities of Good Writing
Deepen students' understanding of literary techniques
4. Editing Skills
Develop understanding of grammatical skills- Students (in WW) are rough drafting, planning, proofreading, etc.
- Teachers (in WW) are conferencing with students about writing
- Share Time
Coach students in how to respond to each other's writing
Space
- Meeting Place
space large enough for entire class to meet - Place for Materials/Tools
where will tools be stored?
Tools: Pencils, Papers, Word Lists, Dictionaries, Folders, etc.
Possible Solution: Establish a Writing Center - Desks/Tables Arrangements
Cluster desks into groups of four (4) or six (6) - Reminders around the room --> Frees up teacher from being only source of information
- Making it Work in the Classroom (p.20)
1. Look at weekly schedule. Find 3-5 time blocks of 50 minutes to devote to writing
2. If schedule appears full, ask yourself:
- What lessons or other activities could WW replace?
- Are there times already devoted to writing or language work? If so, what purposes do these serve?
- Might they be better served with writer's workshop?
3. Let your class know when writer's workshop will be
4. Ask your students to talk about what they need in order to make the classroom a comfortable place to write
5. Based on this input draw a map of the classroom and share it with them
6. In the early weeks of the workshop keep asking the questions:
- Have we created a comfortable place for writing?
- Be willing to make changes along the way as you find what works for you and your group of students - "Time and space contour the container that will harness that energy" (quote from p.19)