Introduction to Writing Workshop

1. Introduction to Writing Workshop A writing workshop is a place that focuses on writer’s who use writing to do powerful things in the world.

2. Definition of a Workshop • A workshop is where people work together to help improve each other’s writing. • By helping others, you can learn about your own writing. “The Pen is mightier than the sword”

3. Important points on Writing • Write what is important to you • Write what you care about • If you write something you don’t want to share, you don’t have to. • The purpose in this room is to make it SAFE • BUT, I am going to expect you to share 3 quarters of your writing –you have the choice what pieces that will be.

4. 6 Traits of Writing • This class focuses on the 6 Traits of writing. • These traits are designed to help improve your writing even if you already consider yourself a good writer. Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency and Conventions

5. How it works: • Each student has a writing folder. • Every piece of writing will go in that folder. • You will decide what piece of writing you want to be your final draft per mode. • Some writing is private, some writing is just to share without being assessed, some writing will be assessed.

6. Part One: • You will write 5 essays per mode • You will have the choice of topic. • You will brainstorm that topic. • Then, you will create a rough draft. • With this rough draft, you will write a paragraph or more telling about your experience writing it. (Writer’s Log)

7. Part Two: • You have the option from the list to select your own topic for 3 of the writings. • 2 of the writings will be determined by the teacher.

8. Part Three: • Then, it is your option to decide what 2 essays you want to turn in to be evaluated. • All essays receive a grade: 3 are simply a participation grade. 2 are Assessment grades.

9. Writer’s Log • A writer’s log is designed to explain the process you’ve gone through. It can be for thoughts or after thoughts. You may reflect back on everything you did and thought about while writing. • Examples: Why you picked the topic? What difficulties did you have brainstorming. How you felt when you were writing – confident, not sure, etc.

10. Writer’s Log • In your folder there will be a sheet that will help springboard your ideas of what to write in the log.

11. Peer Response Log • You will work with different people. • You are not allowed to have the same “peer” (classmate) to look at every essay you do. • In doing this, you must develop a written conversation with them. • Also, you must learn how to look at someone else’s paper.

12. Peer Response Log • You will be given instructions that stay in your folder. • These instructions will help you learn what to look for and remind you things that need to be mentioned.

13. Other Parts of the Class • The class is not ALL writing. • There will be times when we read small pieces of writing. • You will learn to tell the difference between good writing and poor writing. • There is bell-work everyday. • There are projects connected to what trait we are learning.

14. Other things: • There will be lectures, powerpoints, hand-outs, and activities. • The basis of the class is to learn to write for life.

15. Contracts • It is up to you what grade you make. • You will sign a contract. • This contract can be changed if you desire. • But, you must explain to me why you are changing your contract.

16. Let’s get started! • First, you will get your folder. It is yours to decorate. • The folder is NOT allowed to leave the classroom. • I do not recommend taking anything from the folder home. • Most information will be on the school website if you need to look at it.

17. Next, • Let’s decide your grade.