Writing Workshop
One of my greatest joys is teaching writing. I think it brings me joy because I am given the opportunity to see first hand the special and unique way each child expresses himself or herself. My class never fails to delight me with their fresh insight and creative perspectives about life experiences.
Writers Workshop is a writing time in which all students are engaged in some form of writing, whether it is mind mapping (planning strategy), writing a rough draft, revising, editing, conferencing with an adult, preparing the final copy, or publishing. Writers Workshop can also include presentations by the teacher to gather ideas, motivate, and prepare children for the writing process. I will share more about this curriculum during conference time.
Each child will use a spiral notebook to do both rough and final draft writing. Rough drafts (first drafts) are written for content without too much concern about spelling or punctuation. By emphasizing first draft writing, students are free to write for content, knowing that later they can go back to revise, edit, and polish the final copy. You can help your child develop writing skills by your enthusiasm and enjoyment of your child's writing. Encourage your child to write letters to family, friends, or pen pals. Remember that the writing process is more important than a perfect product. Allowing children to write without fear of having to correct spelling errors and mistakes freeze them to enjoy the creative process of writing. Through practice, skills are improved and errors gradually diminish while the child develops positive feelings about writing.
One of my greatest joys is teaching writing. I think it brings me joy because I am given the opportunity to see first hand the special and unique way each child expresses himself or herself. My class never fails to delight me with their fresh insight and creative perspectives about life experiences.
Writers Workshop is a writing time in which all students are engaged in some form of writing, whether it is mind mapping (planning strategy), writing a rough draft, revising, editing, conferencing with an adult, preparing the final copy, or publishing. Writers Workshop can also include presentations by the teacher to gather ideas, motivate, and prepare children for the writing process. I will share more about this curriculum during conference time.
Each child will use a spiral notebook to do both rough and final draft writing. Rough drafts (first drafts) are written for content without too much concern about spelling or punctuation. By emphasizing first draft writing, students are free to write for content, knowing that later they can go back to revise, edit, and polish the final copy. You can help your child develop writing skills by your enthusiasm and enjoyment of your child's writing. Encourage your child to write letters to family, friends, or pen pals. Remember that the writing process is more important than a perfect product. Allowing children to write without fear of having to correct spelling errors and mistakes freeze them to enjoy the creative process of writing. Through practice, skills are improved and errors gradually diminish while the child develops positive feelings about writing.