WW -- What I do

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Home : 2004 : July : 5

WW -- What I do
By StephR

My Writer's Workshop time is actually very simple to implement (although, looking at the size of this post, I am not so sure anymore!) The schedule is as follows:

10 mins Sustained Silent Writing
10 - 20 mins Mini-Lesson
20 - 30 mins Writing Block
5 - 10 mins Author's Chair

Sustained Silent Writing -- The students begin each Workshop day with 10 minutes of uninterrupted writing. Similarly to Sustained Silent Reading, they may do nothing but write. They may either continue a story they are currently working on, begin a brand new

story, or write in their journal (I always have some topics posted for those who are stumped) During this time, their pencil MUST be moving....

Mini-Lesson -- During this time, I teach a writing lesson. Any lesson that is appropriate at that time. Craft, grammar, punctuation, or the actual lesson that is in our reading program. (These lessons come from many different sources....writing inservices, grade level meetings focused on writing, various books, etc...) The lesson is no longer than 20 mins.

Writing Block -- Kids have many different options at this point. They can go to one of 4 "zones" set up in the room. In "Silent Zone", they may only work...individually....and without talking. They can be working on their assignment or a different story all together. I always start the work session off with 5 minutes of mandatory "Silent Zone" time. In "Quiet Zone", the students are allowed to talk with each other (using a whisper voice) to gather ideas and discuss their work in progress. They primarily are there to work however. In "Sharing Zone" the students are there to hold a peer conference. I only allow four pairs at a time, and they must be talking about their specific peice of work. They have sticky notes so that they can proofread and correct mistakes. They also are there to edit each other's work. Finally, in "Conference Zone", students can come to talk to me about their work. I usually am in this "zone" for the entirety of the writing session, as kids are eager to talk to me about their work. I usually keep conferences very short (no longer than 2 minutes) so that I am able to get around to as many people as I can.

Author's Chair -- This is the last portion of the Workshop. This is when a designated student (or students) share their work with the class. The class then gives feedback to the student while I write down their comments on a sticky note (that way, they are able to implement those suggestions into their writing for the next Workshop time.) I usually have a predesignated person for this (on a chart) but I also have sign ups for anyone who wishes to read that day as well.

I hope that helps you a bit. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.