Basics of Writer's Workshop

Why do Writing Workshop?

1. It's theoretical
2. It's engaging
3. Mimics how real writers write

Writing Process vs. Writing Workshop
Workshop:
     Find good reasons to write, has a real-world outcome, creates real writers
Process:
     Emphasis on "getting things done"

Characteristics of Writer's Workshop's Process

1. Choice (direct students in their choice but give them freedom to select a topic)
2. Time (30-45 minutes sustained writing time, every writing assignment won't be a masterpiece, emphasize quality over quantity)
3. Teaching (focus lessons, small group teaching, conference with students, praise students' good work)
4. Talking (writers need to be heard and have confirmation in themselves)
5. Focused Study (genre studies, grammar, craft, point of view, publication)
6. Publication Rituals (various methods~ technology-based, make a hard-cover book, make an artifact to go along with story)
7. Structure (build a community of writers)