I've developed my own version of Writing Workshop through the years, using
the best ideas I've gathered from conferences and other materials.
Introducing
Writing Workshop
I start the children "writing" the first day of school (from scribbling
to pictures). During this time I begin the interactive writing process
with the whole group. I tell a short story and then have the students help
me write it. As I write, I "think aloud" about the writing process. This
daily whole group interactive writing helps the students understand what
is expected of them during their writing time.
I wait for a few weeks before forming permanent groups. I assess
the students and form my groups with varying writing levels. I form five
groups and each group is assigned a name (I use the little Carson Dellosa
pads for each group, last year I used the school bus, apple, chalkboard,
pencil and computer). Other materials needed for Writing Workshop will
be listed at the end of this article.
The
groups rotate in this order:
Table
1 Conferencing with Teacher
On this day, the students meet with me, they show me the story they would
like to publish. We correct their mistakes together, select a title for
the story and select the color of book they'd like to use. Before
we start the formal Writing Workshop I talk to the students about the editing
process. I keep a supply of ready to publish books ( made from 1/2 sheets
of construction paper and typing paper). I write the story/title on a post
it note and use a date stamp to date their journal entry and the back cover
of their book (on lower right hand side). I use this time to have a mini
lesson with each student. For example, a student might be making letters
backward, we discuss it and I have them practice that letter. I might also
focus on a beginning sound the student has used correctly or incorrectly.
I type each story that afternoon, paste the story on their books and place
the books in their folder to illustrate.
Table
2 Publishing
On this day, the students publish their stories by illustrating their books,
they have a variety of crayons, markers and pencils to use.
Table
3 Writing
Table 4 Writing
Table
5 Writing
The students write the other 3 days during the week, I have parent volunteers
and my assistant working with the these tables. My assistant usually sits
with the table that will be conferencing with me the next day.
I start off the year by having a 10-15 minute block of time for writing. After Christmas, Writing Workshop increases 30 to 40 minutes (depending on the maturity of the class).
If you
have any questions about Writing Workshop in my
classroom,
email me at lsmccardle@aol.com.
Materials
Needed
A
writing folder for each child that contains
an alphabet chart, and a beginning sounds chart. On the front of the folder,
place the child's name, the group symbol and a list of high frequency words.
Journals
(20 sheets of 8 1/2X11 newsprint) for each child
Construction
paper books used for publishing individual
student books.
Publishing
Supplies for the publishing table:
glitter crayons
magic markers
fine line markers
neon crayons
colored pencils
Teacher
Basket:
date stamp
stamp pad
post it notes
fine line markers
pencils
Guided
Phonics Based Spelling
Many parents come to me with the concern that their children's writings
contain only letters or misspelled words. I take the opportunity to talk
about writing stages and how their children are approximating the spelling
of words by placing the letters on paper that they hear when attempting
to write. I use the term "phonics based spelling" instead of wonder spelling
or magic spelling. Parents seem to understand this term better. Treat all
parents concerns with respect.
Focused
Mini Lessons (Whole Group)
Keep track of the developmental writing levels of your students and use
mistakes and successes to develop mini lessons for the whole group.
Publishing
and Sharing
I encourage all my students to work toward publishing books, but they are
allowed to work at their own pace. I give students the opportunity to share
their published books with their group and the whole group.
Resources
for Teachers
Kid Writing by Eileen G. Feldgus and Isabell
Cardonick
Invitations by Regie Routman
Enhancing Your Kindergarten/First Grade Program
by
