Writer’s Workshop Ideas

There are so many components to having an effective and successful Writer’s Workshop.  I am continually researching ideas to get better at it each year.  I want to share some of my resources with you to help get you started.

 

**Getting Started**

• Purchase either 3 ring binders or folders for each child.  Since I already use the 3 ring binders for my BEE Binders I just have the kids use a folder.
• Have an editing checklist/guidelines/rubric available in each child’s folder so they know what’s expected of them.
• Have a sample laminated hamburger paragraph for them you can find at http://www.teachersclubhouse.com .
• Introduce W.W. slowly, explain rules/procedures/expectations/use of materials, etc.
• Have PLENTY of ready to use story webs, rough draft papers and blank story books available for them.
• If possible and you have the space in your classroom keep all materials organized and in one easy location for all W.W. materials.

**Materials**

• The blank story books I talked about earlier can also be found at http://www.teachersclubhouse.com
• Colored pencils to be used only for W.W.
• Markers to be used only for W.W.
• Organizational wheel or clips something to keep you and children organized ( check out my photos of how I do it )
• Folders for each child
• Some people have each child use red ink pens for editing

**Management**

• Most days will include a ‘mini-lesson’.  I get ideas for these from looking at the standards in 2^nd grade, books and researching the web.
• Introduce the W.W. wheel / clip management system or both.
• During W.W. always have Teacher’s Edit written on the board so students can sign up to meet with you.
• Be specific with expectations

**The process**

• I will include a separate page on this topic

**Author’s Chair**

*  This is my student’s favorite part of W.W. – sharing their work and illustrations.  They sign up and sit in the Author’s Chair to read their story.  Near the end of the year I will have an Author’s Chair tea and invite the families to come in and hear their child’s stories.

large view writer's workshop wheel

large view author's chair

Mrs. Moore's Busy Bees
temecula valley unified school district

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