– How to Implement an Effective Writing Program in the Classroom
Writer’s Workshop is a comprehensive step-by-step guide for primary school teachers to set up and implement an innovative and effective writing program in the classroom. The book differs from traditional writing models as it sees writing as a cyclical rather than a linear process, giving students the autonomy to choose where they want to start and continue in the writing process. In doing so, students will find authentic reasons to write, grow in confidence, and, of equal importance, begin to enjoy their writing.
The framework that is followed in this approach involves five steps entitled: Mini-Lessons, Checking The Status, Hot Penning, Writing Time, and Reflection and Sharing. Writer’s Workshop sessions must be predictable to be successful. Following this format will help facilitators of the program build confidence in their students and reduce failure caused by self-doubt that we hear through comments such as, “I don’t know what to write about”, “My writing is not good enough”, “I have no real reason to write”.
