• What is Writer's Workshop?

    Writer's Workshop is the organizational structure for the instructional components of writing instruction. It provides students with a supportive environment that involves them in authentic writing experiences that focus on the strengths and needs of each individual student. Writer’s Workshop helps kids develop strong writing skills through the use of a mini-lesson, shared writing, independent writing, conferencing and Author’s Chair.


    What are the components of Writer’s Workshop?

    The components of Writer’s Workshop are: mini-lesson, work period, and sharing. The workshop begins with a mini-lesson, approximately 10 minutes long. It focuses on a skill or strategy that will help students become strategic writers. The lessons are based on students needs. During the lesson I model, use shared writing, or have students practice a particular skill or strategy.

    The mini lesson is followed by student work time where they write independently. During this time students are prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, or publishing their pieces. Conferencing occurs during the independent writing period. Students seek responses from their partners' and teacher conferences with individual students.

    Sharing is an integral part of the writer’s workshop. Students are given opportunities to share their writing piece with the whole group or with a peer.