There's a lot to say

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There's a lot to say
By maryteach

about this, so I will limit myself to what you've asked. It makes it more understandable. Ask more questions if you need to:

While you are conferencing with students, the others are writing independently, or are
peer-revising with one another. Writer's workshop is good for "fast finishers" because the rule is you're never done! You always start another piece. They also aren't done if they haven't revised with a peer or have just done one draft. By fourth grade, they are writing enough that they won't do a final copy on everything they write, but they still need to be always starting another

piece.

Workshop typically begins with a minilesson, but every day does not have to. As far as the "corresponding" minilesson goes, be careful about assuming all kids need the same minilesson. Workshop gets away from that one-size-fits-all mentality. Give them the truly fruitful minilessons in their writer's conferences, where you see what THAT KID needs RIGHT NOW.

Also, you can group kids, if you like, according to which of the six traits they need the most work on. This is sometimes an easier way to start. It's less intimidating than all private conferences.

Most importantly, don't stress over kids being in different places, i.e., some in prewriting, some in conferencing, some in revision, etc. The kids will be all over the board after the first few days, and that's not only okay; it's desirable. You need a way to keep track of who's doing what (called a status of the class) but relax about them being in completely different places (unless it's a required paper, and you're collecting final drafts on Friday. Other than that, it's okay).