Writers Workshop

Writers workshop happens everyday in our classroom.  We begin the year with a 30 minute block and will gradual increase to a one hour writing time when appropriate.  Students take our writing time very seriously.  During this time, they are authors hard at work.  Each author works at their own writing stage.  We believe our writing time is very important. 

How it works:

·           We begin with a mini-lesson finding what makes authors great at writing.

·           I model writing in a short write-to.

·            Authors write as I confer with individuals.

·            Authors share their writing with a partner or an adult.

·            Authors work on all stages of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, editing, revising, and publishing.

·            Authors present their accomplishments in the author’s chair. 

How parents can help your author become a great writer:

·           Model writing at home.  Explain why you are writing.

·            Listen to your author read their own writing.

·            Celebrate all writing attempts, including invented spelling and experimenting with punctuation. 

·            Provide materials and opportunities for your author to write at home. 

·           Come to Author’s Parties in our classroom.

Volunteer Opportunities:

·            Create published books at home.

·           Come in during writing time for the authors to read their writing

·           Type published works.

 

 

 

AS A PARENT

YOU

SUPPORT LITERACY WHEN YOU:

 

  Read to or with your child daily.

  Provide a quiet place for homework.

Talk with your child about what you are reading.

  Encourage your child to figure out words by looking at pictures, breaking the word into smaller chunks, reading on, thinking about what makes sense, or sounding it out.

When reading and your child hesitates, ask “Does it look right?” or, “Does it sound right?” or, “Does it make sense?”

Talk about books, magazines, poetry, fiction, and informational texts.

Provide daily opportunities for your child to write.

Display writing and drawings so your family can celebrate your child’s success.

Tell stories, sing songs, play rhyming games.

Regularly visit the library.