Writer's Workshop Writer's Workshop is a student-centered approach to guiding students toward becoming lifelong writers. Writer’s Workshop is explicit writing instruction in a workshop setting. It builds on the writer’s strengths to move each individual student toward independence in writing. Writer’s Workshop gives writers voice and choice in their writing, as well as encompasses all genres, with a focus on narrative, informational, and opinion/argument writing. The instruction for Writer’s Workshop is delivered through mini-lessons and student conferences, which allows for whole group instruction on specific strategies and skills, as well as individualized instruction and support. The students utilize a Writer's Notebook as a tool for collecting and exploring ideas, as well as a place to write. Students are always encouraged to bring their Writer's Notebook home to write in their free time. Noticing potential stories around us and gathering these ideas in a notebook are important steps in learning to live like a writer. |
Reading We utilize a workshop approach in reading instruction, too. Students are instructed on specific skills, strategies, and ways of responding to reading through group and individual reading instruction and conference opportunities. Students engage in independent reading, as well as partner and small group reading activities. Students are also encouraged to explore various genres. Students are guided toward responding to their reading through various activities, such as reading response journals, weekly reading response questions, daily reflections on the at-home reading entries, and monthly book projects, as well as opportunities for discussion. |