Introducing Writer's Workshop

In order to help focus on building a writing community, developing skills, and demonstrating our learning, the first period of advising will be used for a writer’s workshop for the rest of Q2 and into Q3. The format will still support student choice and work on the PLP—students will choose what their topics are, and use their work to explore different strategies and work in the medium of writing.

I have moved towards a more structured first period for a few reasons. The first is that the writing workshop model works best when done in a community—students will share, peer-edit, and ideally inspire each other. As a guide, I will be better able to assist students in focusing, developing and expressing their ideas, and gaining proficiency in the 6 traits of writing. Helping students in a hit-or miss manner, while managing a variety of projects in all areas of the school, was not working in terms of creating the teaching/learning environment needed for in-depth learning.

Students can pull ideas from their classes and PLP, or develop new ideas. We will work from the writer’s workshop model: a short mini-lesson, with large chunks of time for writing and conferencing. Students will be expected to take their writing through the entire writing process, from brainstorming to publishing. On occasions they will receive writing explorations/assignments, however, the majority of their work will be self-selected.

Feel free to email me with any questions.