What is Writer's' Workshop?

Writers’ Workshop (WW) is a research-based approach that addresses the needs of all students in a classroom. WW begins with a focus lesson where the teacher explicitly models a strategy, approach, or skill. After the focus lesson, the students write independently to practice the focus lesson concept.

Independent writing includes a high level of student choice to foster engagement, relevance, and authenticity. The teacher confers with students during independent writing to be sure they are successful in their practice or to provide 1:1 instruction around any particular needs. Sometimes, the teacher may work with a small group of students who have similar needs during independent writing.

Finally, WW ends with a group share to summarize the important understandings of the day.

The structured nature of WW builds a predictable routine and guarantees opportunities for differentiated instruction and intervention.

Structure of Writers' Workshop