If you are only using a writer’s workshop model with your classes, you are probably running into a few problems. Your students may be having a “social hour” during independent writing time, be lacking the skills of giving effective criticism, or a few students may even be dominating the class discussions while others are completely tuned out. You probably can’t give your students the individual attention they need, so you have no idea what their final draft will actually look like. In today’s episode we discuss all of the issues with writer’s workshops and why they aren’t effective.
Tune in now to hear:
- [:44] Caitlin begins by sharing problems you may be experiencing when conducting writer’s workshops in your classroom.
- [1:32] Caitlin shares a story of a narrative writing workshop lesson that did not turn out well.
- [4:25] She explains why we are not fans of the workshop model and what you could be doing instead.
- [4:51] Caitlin explains the 3 things effective teachers are doing to improve their students’ writing skills.
- [5:30] She talks about a writing framework and what it should look like.
- [7:52] She explains that effective writing teachers are always circling back and revisiting writing concepts that have been taught.
- [9:11] She talks about how students have to have more than one opportunity to write a particular type of essay.
- [9:48] Caitlin shares what you should do if your school requires you to use a writing workshop model, or if you are struggling with any of the issues mentioned in the episode.
- [10:00 ]She invites you to listen to part 2 of this episode next week to learn what you can do instead.
Click here to watch on Youtube!
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