Writer's Workshop Narrative Writing Unit

How do you lay the foundation for writer's workshop in your classroom? Through trial and error, I figured out how to best lay the foundation for a writer's workshop in my classroom.  First, I make sure to post the stages of writer's workshop so that students can refer to them.  Since writing is not a linear process, students should have the freedom to go back to a previous stage if need be. 

Here are some examples...

       

I also make sure that students have plenty of topics to choose from, so I brainstorm possible writing topics with the students on the following template.  This will make it easier for them to decide on a writing topic, and they are less prone to saying, "I have nothing to write about!"

Before students start their 1st drafts, I model different types of engaging beginnings so that students can choose one that they feel comfortable writing about. I provide the students with 7 different engaging beginning posters. Here are a few examples...

When the students are set to edit their work, I provide them with this editing-marks poster.  This reminds them of what they can revise and edit to make their writing better.  The word-choice cloud encourages students to use words that are less common.  I also provide them with a "UNIQUE" word list that provides synonyms for words that they tend to use.

Head to my TPT store to learn more about this unit!
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Comments

[Tammi]

I wonder if you do conferencing in your workshop. Would it be possible to make a conferencing poster? I'm headed to TPT to buy your great resource! This is just what we need in my classroom!

[Panicked Teacher]

Lori,
THANK YOU! Seriously, when I am teaching I always feel like a chicken with my head cut off-especially before school and during lunches when preparing stuff. That $*&@!* bell when you are in the middle of making copies is one thing that makes me the most panicked!! I am going to check out your blog right now! :)

[Lori]

I just have to tell you that the name of your blog is hysterical! It conjures up so many thoughts in my head of how we often feel as teachers. Every time I see a post from your blog, I giggle a little! Just thought I'd tell you! LOL! I just started a blog, too. I would love it if you checked it out. Thanks!

Lori
Teaching With Love and Laughter