Elements of a Writing Workshop

Ideal timetable for a one-hour writing workshop:

• Mini Lesson (5-10 minutes)
• Writing Time (35-45 minutes)
• Sharing Time (10-20 minutes)

Important Elements of a Writing Workshop:

– Time- Writing workshops must take place at a consistent and expected time.  As time goes on, students will know what is expected of them during writing workshop, and they will be mentally prepared to write.

– Time to write- This takes place during the Writing Time of the writing workshop.  An observer would see students actively engaging in the writing process: collecting ideas, drafting, writing, editing, revising, and so on.  Observers would hear students asking each other for help through each step, sharing writing with each other, and possibly even writing together.  An onlooker would also see and hear the teacher conferencing with students (more on this later).

– Whole group instruction- Whole group writing lessons take place during the Mini Lesson part of the writing workshop.  Onlookers would hear the instructor teaching lessons about procedures and expectations during writing workshop, the writing process, different types of writing, and editing skill.  Someone observing this class would see the teacher model different types of writing, as well as some student examples.  During this time, observers would see and hear students practicing new skills that their teacher introduces to them.

– Choice- Student choice takes place throughout the writer’s workshop.  As students choose and experiment with different writing styles and topics, an onlooker would notice students looking at literature, student work, and their own work for inspiration.

– Conferencing- One would observe this during Writing Time.  Onlookers would likely hear the teacher working one on one with a student, giving feedback, encouragement and individualized instruction.  Students also conference with their peers, providing feedback, skill reminders, and inspiration.

– Inspiration- An onlooker in the writing workshop would see inspiration around the classroom.  Posters about how to find a topic, samples of published student work, and literature and picture books.  Without this element, students may have a difficult time choosing something to write about.

– Sharing- Sharing happens during the last part of the writing workshop.  Students have a chance to show off and tell about the writing work they have completed either with the whole class or with a partner.  Students who are observing get to provide comments and ask questions about peer work.  Observers of sharing time would also hear teachers and peers making suggestions for revision of shared work.

– Spaces for working- Observers in a writing workshop would notice designated places for whole group lessons, independent writing, shared or small group writing, and conferencing. 

– A place for materials- A writing workshop classroom also needs a designated place for writing materials.  In addition to paper and pencils, an onlooker would see different colors of paper, a variety of writing utensils (markers, crayons, colored pencils), and illustration tools.  Materials would also be provided to help students publish their work in creative ways.