Writing Workshop- Day 2

How are Lucy Caulkins' lessons set up?
Yesterday we spent a lot of time discussing how mini lessons look inside the classroom. The problem in my school district is that the lessons that Lucy designed were suppose to last over 60 minutes. The reality at my school is that we only have 45 minutes.

The key to teaching writing is to give students a skill and then give them time to practice the skill. Being able to practice for at least 20 minutes a day is the goal. I know in my classroom, sometimes it is hard to have time for 20 minutes of writing. Sometimes life happens and we may have 15 minutes, 12 minutes or 7.

During the mini lesson it is important to inspire kids to want to write. You need to pump them up for writing and then you need to give them a teaching point for the day. Our district has decided that we are going to make sure our mini lesson only lasts seven to nine minutes. This way we will give students enough time for writing. Let's be honest. Are the students really listening after 10 minutes any way?

Another idea that was talked about was not taking students questions during your mini lesson. I am not sure how this would work out because, my students are always so excited to share their ideas. I think I am going to give this a try this year.

Writing Institute- Day 1

I think it is important to learn about the progressions each grade uses because it help you understand what your students have learned in the past and where are they going after they leave your classroom. I thought this was helpful to see why what I am teaching is relevant in the scope and sequence of our district curriculum.

Another big take away from the day was learning how all the other teachers started writing workshop in their classroom.

One teacher gave us a list of books that she uses inside her classroom. These books teach students that you can write just about anything. She reads all of these books to her students during the first 6 weeks of school and then the students brainstorm together what you need to do to be a good writer.

• The Best Story by Eileen Spinelli
• You Have to Write by Janet S. Wong

Another teacher said that she has the students talk about what is important in their heart. She has them create a brainstorming sheet where the students are able to list the people, places and things that each students loves. This is a great resource because when students are stuck trying to find an idea, they just have to pull out the brainstorming sheet to find an idea. 

We talked a lot about how to build writing stamina. I know that I have always worked hard building reading stamina, but never really though that students need to build writing stamina as well. Some teachers give students writing prompts so that they are able to work towards writing more. Some teachers have students interview other students to help build the classroom community. I think I am going to have my students work on writing their hopes and dreams as a way to build stamina and track how much stamina they have gained throughout the year. 

What about you?  How do you start off the writing school year? Do you have any favorite books to read to your students to help create a meaningful writing workshop? Tell me in the comment section below.