I like to think of a writing conference as a conversation. Just like many common conversations, there is a predictable structure to the writing conference. I think it’s important for us to teach students about their role and our role in a conference. Tomorrow I have plan to do this in second grade (as I model for almost 20 teachers).
Here is my plan for a chart:
Student Role:
- Share your current writing work.
- Tell me what you’re doing as a writer.
- Tell me what you’re thinking as you work.
- Try new things as a writer.
Teacher Role:
- Listen.
- Ask questions about your writing work.
- Tell you what you’re doing well as a writer.
- Help you do something new as a writer.
- Check back with you to see how the new work is going.
I’ll teach this by modeling this work with a student so the rest of the class can see how a writing conference unfolds. When students learn the predictable structure of a writing conference, then it goes more smoothly. When everyone knows the purpose of a conversation it goes smoother and more efficiently. When this happens, then we lift the level of our conferences. If you’ve not given this type of minilesson, then I encourage you to make a plan to share the purpose and structure with your students. Let me know how it goes. 🙂
TWO WRITING TEACHERS 
Diana —
I did use a fish bowl structure to model during the minilesson. As soon as I have permission to post the footage, I’ll share the minilesson.
Thanks, Ruth
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I like the simple structure also. And modeling for both students and teachers what to expect during a conference is an excellent idea. Do you like to use a “fish bowl” to model?
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This helps so much! Thanks for this post. Do you have anything on how students should converse with each other on their writing?
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I’m teaching this lesson with my first graders this week. So glad to have your take on this. Would love to hear how it goes with all the second graders. 🙂
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I love this! It actually is such a clear conferencing structure it can be applied to reading, math, etc! I am definitely going to use this!
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This chart is very helpful! I plan on sharing it with my students, to help my fifth graders understand more clearly about their role during a conference. Thanks for sharing with us!
–Jee Young
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