Struggling Writers Ch. 1-4

I completely agree with the authors’ point that writing instruction should be frequent, intensive, explicit, and individualized. So many teachers assume that writing workshop is a hands-off time where writers sit wherever they want and write whatever they want with no accountability. This is just not true. I would argue that writing workshop is more hands-on because you as the teacher are meeting with each child at an appropriate level for them.

I started the list on page 6. This would make a great mini-lesson on the purposes for writing. While reading the suggestions, I saw a poster titled, “Why do we write?” If given enough think time and maybe prompted with some well-phrased questions, the students could come up with most of these reasons. If they have ownership over their purpose for writing and a voice in their writing, I see all writers succeeding at a higher level.

I also really appreciated the sample lesson plans. Sometimes writing workshop seems very complicated and chaotic. Reading her plans assuage several fears and inspired me to embrace the idea of empowering writers to create in their own way.