Author hats worn during "Sharing"
As Pam, noted in the previous blog post we have a new course that focuses on the teaching of writing. Writing Across the Curriculum Online ® (WAC) features an in depth look at implementation and practice of the “Writing Workshop,” also known as “Writers’ Workshop.” Students of this course will have the opportunity to discuss the basics and challenges of establishing a Writing Workshop in their own classrooms. In a Writing Workshop, students at any grade level are continuously exposed to the process of writing during a regular period each day. A daily Writing Workshop typically includes the following segments:
- A mini-lesson – in which the teacher shares a writing skill or craft such as using descriptive words or use of a type of punctuation.
- An opportunity for students to try or apply the lesson in writing
- Independent writing time – when students get to write often about topics of their own choosing
- Sharing time – a time when students celebrate their writing by sharing it with others
The Workshop takes a constructivist approach to teaching writing as it encourages students to develop their own understanding and love of writing rather than make prescriptive demands on how their writing should be and look. Teachers of the writing workshop don’t just assign papers and grade them, they help grow the student as a writer. In addition, teachers must give up some control over student topic choice and act more as a guide by providing mini-lessons and coaching when needed.
Writing Across the Curriculum also shares ways to incorporate writing for learning in other subject content areas such as mathematics, science and social studies. Students of this course will learn about using math journals to reinforce mathematical concepts as well as use poetry and letter writing to teach both science and social studies.
Writing is an important part of how we communicate in our culture. Writing Across the Curriculum offers teachers a look at how to develop the life-long writer in our students. It also gives teachers the opportunity to practice and evaluate the lessons and activities which support Writing Workshop and integrate writing into all areas of the curriculum.
A place where author sharing happens
Additional information on teaching writing:
A brief slide show on the basics of the Writers Workshop:
http://bb.plsweb.com/WAC_sakai/Captivate/WWBasics/WWBasics.htm
Resources on Writers Workshop (some helpful books) http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/curriculum/elementary/pdf/writing/wwres.pdf
National Writing Project:
http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/resource_topic/teaching_writing?gclid=CJzLuP294poCFQkzawodtXFVBA
Writer’s Workshop (Resources and lesson suggestions for teachers K-6): http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/writers/index.html
