Writer's Workshop etc.

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Writer's Workshop etc.
By Debbie

Hi Fiona,
I too had difficulty keeping track of what I'd done with whom. I did implement a 'status of the class' form mid year so I'd know where everyone was in the writing process, and help guide (light a fire under)
a few of the kids who had a great deal of difficulty staying focused or completing a draft. There was an area on the large scheduling white board to sign up for revision/editing conferences. When we got together, I used a 2 X 4 stickie to record the date, topic, genre and the suggestions of the group for the writer. As I listened to their pieces, some common threads appeared, at which

point I did mini-lessons for a small group or the class. But I didn't keep track of these very well. One year, I used a two column list in the back of their writer's notebooks 'I am learning to..., I can...' where I listed the strategy/skill, etc. and dated when I saw evidence of it in their work. Any thoughts???
And you know I have some other suggestions to add to your already growing professional library...I really like Fletcher's stuff, too! He has several books that are written for student writers. They might be written for slightly more mature writers, but I've used quotes and sections in mini lessons. Also, he's a writer of children's books! Do you have The Art of Teaching Writing or The Art of Teaching Reading? Both by L. Calkins and OUTSTANDING. OK>>Keep reading!!! ;-D