Right On! Introducing Writer’s Workshop
July 11, 2012I love Writer’s Workshop with ALL of my heart!! When I was introduced to it many, many years ago, from my very special mentor Beverly Beauvais … it had me at HELLO!! Of course, I had to adapt it and make it my own … so that it worked with my comfort zone. Over the years, I have created many resources and tools that I would like to share with you …
First of all, my teacher’s guide to introducing it to the classroom.
I like to start Writer’s Workshop right away, at the beginning of the year. It is REALLY important to model, model, model … everything that you want your students to do, from writing the date and their names, to writing on the lines! Remember that your Firsties are just starting!
It’s also important to inform your student’s parents about Writer’s Workshop, so I have created a letter …
Writer’s Workshop Letter To Parents
Of course, students should be introduced to the various steps of writing … not all at once, but as they become more confident writers, more steps can be introduced …
Writer’s Workshop Writing Steps Posters
It’s important to have rules for Writer’s Workshop, so that students can work independently without too many distractions, and so that you can conference or assist other students.
Just as in Daily 5, I like to discuss what Writer’s Workshop looks like and what it sounds like…
Looks & Sounds of Writer’s Workshop
Students should know that you always expect the very best from them, so I have created a Star Writer’s Poster, that I send home and display in the classroom…
It’s important to have a management board, to know which writing step that they are working on … I like to use a large pocket chart, so that students can easily move their names to each step…I don’t use all steps right away I usually begin with Select A Topic, Writing, Editing, Publishing and Sharing…
Writer’s Workshop Management Board
I like to display my writing steps posters, so that students know what is expected of them at each stage of Writer’s Workshop …
Of course each student needs to have their own writing folder. I like to use one with pockets on both sides. Each student will have a copy of my sound chart and sight word sheet that is inserted into their folder. The folder has a cover and student writing sheet can be inserted, that have been adapted to their writing levels.
Writer’s Workshop Student Writing Sheets
Peer Conferencing is very important, but it must be modelled and monitored. It’s important to model the right way and wrong way of peer conferencing. Rules should be established, and little checklists should be used to help guide their conferencing. I also like to display my Steps for Peer Conferencing posters for reference.
Student & Peer Writing Skills Checklist
Let’s not forget about editing!!! I don’t ask students to recopy their work right away. I find that it turns them off. However, I will ask them to edit certain spelling such as sight words or theme words… My theory is if they can read it, then they could spell it. Especially, when all of these words are displayed in the classroom.
I glue these sheets below each other, and mount on bright card stock to display.
Editing checklists are important for students to remember what is expected of them,too.
My favorite part about Writer’s Workshop is sharing time. My heart melts to listen to my students, as they read their beautiful writing…Just knowing that they read to an audience makes them so enthousiastic about writing! I love it!! Ofcourse you have to model, model and MODEL how they should share and respond to their peers writing. I love the ending of your story! Your character’s name is precious! Such beautiful priniting! Oh MY WORD!!! They are so darling when they use your positive terms to comment on their peer’s writing!!! I love this stage!!! Just so yummy!!
I love to have a decorated Author’s Chair!! They love it, too!!
I also like to display my sharing posters, too!
Wow!!! This is one long post! If you made it this far, you deserve some yummy Sangria!! Me too!! How do you incorporate Writer’s Workshop into your classroom? I would love to hear all of your fantastic ideas!
Right on!! Writer’s Workshop Rocks!
-Mrs. Leslie
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Thank you for your great Writing Workshop materials.
You’re welcome! I hope that you can use them with your class!
Thanks for the wonderful post. I am actually going through the Lucy Calkins series this summer. I am planning on implementing a true Writer’s Workshop this year in my class.
Enjoy! You are going to love Writer’s Workshop!! Lucy Calkins is amazing! I hope that my tools help you!
I was wondering if you have found any books or authors particularly helpful to illustrate what writers do?
I really love the Jolly Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. It is really well done! The students love the pullouts and how interactive it is! It really demonstrates all of the purposes for writing! From birthday party invitations, to letters, to receipes!! A must have for every classroom! Enjoy!
WOW! Thank you for the wonderful resources! This is a post I am definitely going to bookmark!
Great post Leslie- Thank you!
Thank Kelly!!!
Thank you for sharing!
How often do you do writer’s workshop?
Hi Nathalie! I do writer’s workshop about twice a week… I hope this helps!
Thank you for the great resources! I am planning to implement writer’s workshop in my classroom this fall. You have shared some wonderful ideas and materials!
Thank you so much for sharing! I will use these this school year and we are implementing WW! Do you have any pictures of your Writer’s Workshop area in your classroom?
WOW! Thanks this is wonderful:) Thank you so much for sharing! Happy new school year!
Happy New School Year to you, too!!
thank you so much for sharing…very exciting!
I love what you did and thank you for sharing your ideas and creative materials!
WOW, Thank you so much for the great visuals. Our school is implementing Readers and writers workshop this year. Thanks for the great help in getting started. Have a great 20012/2013 school year. : – )
Enjoy!!! You will love Reader’s and Writer’s workshops!! It will change the way you teach forever!
Thanks for the wonderful resources! I love them all. They will definitely add to my writer’s workshop! Thanks again!
Wow! I am a first year teacher of first grade and have been wanting to implement a writers workshop but have been a little reluctant because it seems so intimidating. Your resources and advice is great and will definitely get off to a great start! Thanks!
You will love Writer’s Workshop, and you will ADORE First Grade!!! Good Luck!!!
Thanks for the great resources! Appreciate your kindness in sharing!
Thanks so much for sharing! I am starting Writer’s Workshop with my Kindergarten class this year and am inspired and feel more “ready” to jump into it with all the help and ideas you shared here!
Thanks so much!! Good Luck!! Can’t wait to hear how your class responds to it!!!
This post was AMAZING! Thank you so much for the fantastic resources. I can’t wait to use them in my class for writing! Newest follower!
Thank you for the info. Can’t wait to start in the new year!
I am a new first grade teacher trying to implement Daily 5 with C-Scope Curriculum. These materials will help so much! Thank you for all your freebies! I can’t wait to start 2013 on the WRITE foot!