Writing workshop is an instruction model that focuses on the strengths and needs of each individual writer. Teachers provide direct instruction on the writing process, craft, genre and mechanics. Students are given time and choice of what to write, and opportunities to share with audiences.

How will my child be assessed? Writing workshop assessment is ongoing. The teacher monitors your child’s writing progress through notes taken during conferencing and small group work. Rubrics will be used to assess your student’s writing process, as well as end products for each genre. Students are given a 45 minutes on demand writing prompt routinely throughout the school year.

How to help at home?

• Let your child see you write and talk with him about how you use writing in your life.
• Provide writing materials for your child-paper with lines and no lines, pencils and pens. Gifts such as shaped tablets, journals, spirals, colored pencils, markers, and erasers are motivating.
• Help your child write letters and e-mails to relatives and friends.
• Provide a journal or diary for your child to record his or her day.
• Help your child brainstorm ideas and organize them. This is called a “Seed Journal.”
• Stress the importance of the writing process and not just the final product.
• Do not write for your child.
• Respond to WHAT your child writes rather than HOW they write it.
• Praise your child’s writing. Ignore minor errors.
• Help with spelling as needed, but do not expect your child to spell every word correctly.