Writing Workshop

How does this work on an intermediate level?

• A Guide to the Writing Workshop Grades 3-5– Lucy Calkins

• Management Chapter– Establish routines– Simple and predictable– Student independence

Writing Workshop Podcast

• Choose a strategy• Try it out in your classroom• Be ready to share with your grade level at the

May 8th CPPD.

Managing Conferences

Why are conferences important?

• Models kinds of thinking writers use during Writing Process

• Students can learn to move through the process independently

Who are teachers conferring with?

Three possible structures…- table conference- need-based group conference- one-to-one conference

Who are teachers conferring with?

Table Conference- useful at beginning of unit - efficient- teacher joins table group- demonstrates with one student’s work- other students watch and debrief

Who are teachers conferring with?

Need-Based Group Conference- useful when several students have the same need- informal- teacher calls group together- teacher demonstrates particular skill- students practice at table

Who are teachers conferring with?

One-to-One Conference- the mainstay of writing workshop- choosing students- structure of a conference- keeping conference records

Keep in Mind

• Variety of conferences

“Writing conferences, themselves, must be angled to teach children how to carry on with independence

another time.”~Lucy Calkins

Managing Writing Partners

Why use writing partners?

• Promotes independence through Writing Process

• Students can learn from one another

Who are the writing partners?

Ideas to ponder…Who works well together?How does student ability factor in?How long will they work together?

How do I set this up for success?

• Model first

• Partners’ roles– listen to each other– ask open-ended questions– brainstorm/support– revise/edit

Where do writing partners meet?

Some ideas to think about…– “Conference Alley” – timer– seating arrangement

Keep in Mind

• Can be teacher directed in lesson

“Teach and organize so that children rely on each other.”

~Lucy Calkins

Managing the Share Time

Why use sharing?

• Provides opportunity for reinforcement

• Authentic writing

How can students share?

Two possible options…– whole group– partner share

How can students share?

Whole Group Share– writing meeting area– selected students share– may sit by writing partners

How can students share?

Partner Share– teacher in prominent spot– students next to writing partner– teacher gives sharing prompt– students share with partners

How can students share?

Some other ideas…– small group share– “Symphony” share– be creative…do what works for you

Keep in Mind

• Maintain consistent format

“…You should certainly see this as one more place where you can draw on your own imagination of

what’s possible.”~Lucy Calkins

Writing Workshop

As a reminder…• Choose a strategy• Try it out in your classroom• Be ready to share with your grade level at the

May 8th CPPD.