Information about Writing Workshop for Students and Parents
WRITING WORKSHOP: HOW DOES IT WORK?
As you may have noticed by now, I like to put everything in writing. Even though I will explain most things orally in class, I believe that it helps all of us to have a written point of reference. That way, if any of us has a question, we can refer to handouts to clarify points of confusion. The point of this particular handout is to give you some basic information about Writing Workshop and to help you understand how it will work.
WHAT IS THE TIME FRAME FOR WW?
You should expect to be engaged in Writing Workshop for about 45 minutes during each class period during the first quarter. Anywhere from five to 25 minutes of that time will be designated for a mini-lesson, during which I will provide instruction in some particular aspect of writing. You will use the remainder of the time to brainstorm, research, draft, revise, edit, proofread, and write. During this independent work time, you will also have occasional writing conferences with me and/or your peers. You are expected to use your time productively and wisely. After the first quarter, we will continue to engage in Writing Workshop at different times, but we will also be focused on reading and responding to literature, among other things.
WHAT'S UP WITH THE SPIRAL NOTEBOOK?
The notebook will become your “Writing Handbook.” You will use it to record information from mini-lessons. Sometimes I will give you handouts to tape into your Handbook; other times you will take notes during mini-lessons. The notebooks will stay in the classroom so that they are always available to you when you need them. You are expected to keep your notebook up-to-date and maintain the table of contents. Just FYI: DO NOT write on the backs of pages—write on the fronts only so that your notes are easier to read. If you wish to personalize your notebook in some way, please feel free to take it home and do so—just make sure that you bring it back to class. The back section of the notebook (the pages that we have not numbered) is space where you can brainstorm, complete pre-writing activities, journal, and try out different ideas. Please note that the primary function is a Writing Handbook; secondarily it is a journal.
WHAT ARE WE GOING TO BE WRITING ABOUT?
That’s up to you. I will ask you to try some different genres, but you will have an extensive amount of choice in your writing. For some of you, that might be great; for others, that might be intimidating. If you need help deciding what to write about, you can get help from me and/or your classmates. You can also refer to your Writing Territories and other brainstorming pages in your Writing Handbook.
HOW MUCH DO WE HAVE TO WRITE?
Of course, I’d love for you to write ten pages a week, but I know that just isn’t realistic, even for “real” authors. I’d really like to see you producing a minimum of two-three full pages of drafts each week. During the course of the semester, you should ultimately produce four to five pieces of good, polished writing. For each nine weeks, I will expect you to produce a minimum of two finished, graded pieces of writing.
IS THIS GRADED?
While I wish that we could all just focus on developing as writers and not have to worry about grading, the reality is that we have to track your progress somehow. Therefore, each of your finished pieces of writing will be graded. You will also receive a participation/work habits grade for Writing Workshop each quarter.
WHY IS IT CALLED "WORKSHOP"?
Good question. We call this time we devote to writing “Workshop” because we take on the role of artists and craftspeople as we create our writing. Instead of using wood or metal or clay for our medium, we use words, phrases, and paper (or computer screen and keyboard). Instead of using saws or hammers or blow-torches, we use the tools of our mind to build or cut our writing. We continue to refine and edit our writing until it has taken a shape that we are proud of, until we are ready to share it with others.
DO WE GET TO EDIT EACH OTHERS' PAPERS?
Kind of. You will have the chance to conference with your peers to get and give advice. But the focus of your conferences will be on content, information, and organization rather than spelling and grammar. Each person needs to take responsibility for editing his/her own work—you don’t learn anything by having someone else do it. I am happy to assist you with the editing process as well, but please don’t expect me to “fix” all of the problems—I will most likely just let you know what areas need your attention.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
During Workshop, I am here for you. You can request a conference with me if you are having a difficult time with a section of your writing, or you can just ask me a quick question. You can expect me to create and maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to working productively and creatively. I will also help you by catering the mini-lessons to the needs of the class. Therefore, you should expect most mini-lessons to be relevant and helpful to you as you work to improve your writing. Another way that I can help you is by suggesting or directing you to resources that will help you with your writing. I can give you samples of a particular genre to read and get ideas, I can help you figure out how to research a topic, and I can help you get your writing published.
But, according to my former students, the best way that I can help you is by giving you direct feedback on your writing. You have the chance to turn in papers to me for comments prior to turning in your papers for grading. If you choose to take advantage of this opportunity, expect feedback and comments that are honest and that will help you improve your writing.
I will also help you by demanding excellence and productive work. If I notice that you seem to be “zoning out” during workshop time, I will give you a gentle reminder to stay on task. If you still seem to be drifting, I will ask that you turn in a set amount of writing to me by the end of the class period. This may seem like a punishment, but actually, it’s just a way to make sure that you are using your time wisely and that you are on track to turn your writing in on the scheduled due date.
HOW CAN YOU HELP YOURSELF?
There are so many ways that you can help yourself during Workshop that it is impossible for me to tell you all of them, but I will share a few important suggestions (many given to me by former students).
First, pay attention during mini-lessons and always think about how the information in the lesson applies to your own writing. Participate in mini-lessons and then take what you have learned and change/edit/improve your writing based on the lessons.
Second, keep your Writing Handbook (spiral) organized and up-to-date, and use it as a resource. The handouts given during the first quarter are still applicable later in the year, so when you encounter a tough spot in your writing process, get out your Handbook and see if anything we have covered in mini-lessons can help you through that tough spot.
Third, use the class time given to you to improve your writing. At the end of last year, several of my students wrote something like this: “If I could go back, I would use my time more wisely and efficiently.” Take their message to heart. I can’t say it any better than they can.
Fourth, spend AT LEAST one hour per week working on your writing OUTSIDE OF CLASS. If you don’t, the deadlines will catch up with you and you will not be satisfied with the work that you are turning in. You cannot rely solely on the time in class to finish your writing.
Finally, be your own critic. Edit and revise your work with an objective eye; be honest with yourself about the strengths and weaknesses of your writing; push yourself to create the best writing you have ever done.
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
As you mature, you are becoming independent learners and thinkers. I don’t want to crush your creativity by telling you what you have to write. Writing Workshop gives you the chance to express yourself in your own way. I do believe that writing skills are important, and I hope that this workshop will help you grow and improve as writers.
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