Major+Components+of+Writers'+Workshop

Writers Workshop is a framework for writing instruction and practice in the classroom.

__**Components of Writers Workshop**__

There are three major components of the Writing Workshop:

__1. Mini Lesson (5-10 minutes)__
 * Provides explicit instruction in a specific aspect of writing
 * Often recorded on chart paper; these 'anchor charts' are later displayed around the room so that students can refer to them as they wish.
 * Focus is on four main areas: procedures and organisation (routines), strategies and processes, skills, craft and techniques

__2. Independent Writing Time (20 - 30 minutes)__
 * students are working their way through the writing process - planning, drafting, revising, conferencing, editing, publishing
 * teacher is conferencing with individual students, as well as monitoring, encouraging, and providing help as needed
 * each student is writing on their own topic and in their own genre
 * a 'Writers Notebook' or folder may be used for this purpose

__3. Conferencing (takes place during writing time)__
 * can take place with a peer or with the teacher
 * should be kept short

__4. Sharing/Author's Chair (5-10 minutes)__
 * focus on students sharing examples taken from the mini-lesson conducted earlier
 * students do not necessarily share their whole piece e.g. if it's a good begining, they share only the beginning
 * try to use a special chair - the 'Author's Chair'
 * allows students to learn from each other and to see/hear good examples of writing

Watch this excellent short video to see a Day in the Life of a Writers' Workshop...

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