Many years ago, as part of my training to be a staff developer, I had the opportunity to observe many amazing classrooms all across New York City. Each classroom I was sent to seemed to run like clockwork. The students seemed to automatically know where to sit on the rug for the minilesson, who to turn and talk to, and exactly where to go the moment the teacher wrapped up the minilesson and said simply, “Off you go.” At the time these classrooms seemed to contain some kind of secret magic, or supernatural teaching powers I didn’t think I could ever possess. How could I possibly get things to run that smoothly? How could I ever get students to write nonstop the way I saw these kids writing?
Over time, I learned that it wasn’t magic or a superpower. Anybody (even me!) can learn to maximize every minute of the writing workshop. In this blog series, my colleagues and I will share some of the ways we’ve learned to make the most out of every minute. We’ll cover the planning, routines, materials, and tools that you too can use to become one of those magical teachers.
Tomorrow, Amy will share how it all begins with smart planning, building on what kids already know.
On Monday, Lainie, will share how relationships and attending to students’ social-emotional needs makes your writing workshop stronger.
On Tuesday, Stacey will share secrets to keeping your minilessons short and sweet, so that your students have the time they need to write.
On Wednesday, Melanie will share how she tightens up transitions with consistent routines and structures to make every minute of writing workshop count.
On Thursday, I (Beth) will share how the charts and visual support in your classroom can help kids hang on to and apply what you’ve taught not just on the day you taught it, but throughout the school year and beyond.
On Friday, Kathleen will discuss how to integrate what students know about strong writing into other content areas, where there are more opportunities to write, write, write.
Lastly, next Sunday Stacey will share an In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) post, summing up all of our contributions.
Alongside our posts, each day you have a chance to win a copy of the book Above and Beyond the Writing Workshop by Shelley Harwayne!
Giveaway Info:
- This giveaway is for a copy of Above and Beyond the Writing Workshop by Shelley Harwayne. Many thanks to Stenhouse Publishers for donating a copy for one reader.
- For a chance to win this copy of Above and Beyond the Writing Workshop, please leave a comment about this post by Friday, January 28th at 11:59 a.m. EST. Stacey Shubitz will use a random number generator to pick the winner, whose name she will announce in a post recapping this blog series on January 30th. Eligible to be shipped to the USA and Canada.
- Please be sure to leave a valid e-mail address when you post your comment, so Stacey can contact you to obtain your mailing address if you win.
- If you are the winner of the book, Stacey will email you with the subject line of TWO WRITING TEACHERS – MAXIMIZING WRITING TIME. Please respond to Stacey’s e-mail with your mailing address within five days of receipt. A new winner will be chosen if a response isn’t received within five days of the giveaway announcement.
TWO WRITING TEACHERS 
What a perfect time of the year for this series…shortly into the new year and looking for new ways to maximize every bit of instructional time in the WW.
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It’s January…time to reassess how we’re using our time. Thank you for the mid-year reminder!
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This sounds like such a useful series! I feel like there is never enough time in the day and I’ve had to shift so many practices in these covid-times that I can definitely use help thinking about how to be more effective. I’m looking forward to reading all the posts and hopefully getting some tips that I hadn’t thought of.
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You are speaking to my teacher heart! This week – your blog – is exactly what is needed! Time to reboot and refuel my teacher heart! Writing workshop is my focus ! Thank you! ♥️
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Looking forward to this! It feels like there is never enough time!
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I know this will be a great resource, as all your recommendations are. Can’t wait to read the upcoming series too!
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Looking forward to getting some new ideas to keep workshop running smoothly!
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I can’t wait to hear how I can make every minute of writing workshop count for my students. And I am eager to read Shelley Harwayne’s book.
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I’m excited to read this series AND Shelley Harwayne’s book!
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Using instructional time well is a challenge all teachers face. I can’t wait to read these experts’ tips.
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Looking forward to this series!!
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I am really excited for this blog series. I have struggled for years to make writing workshop be effective for my writers! I am looking forward to new ideas. Thank you for sharing your ideas!
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Can’t wait!
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I look forward to the blog series and sharing your insight with both students and colleagues.
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This sounds like another amazing blog series. Thank you for sharing your insights and expertise around these important practices.
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Sounds like a great series! I can’t wait to learn from you all!
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I am looking forward to a week of sharing from some amazing teachers! I can’t wait. I can definitely use it. I seem to be having issues with transitioning this year.
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A great mid-year reboot idea-looking forward to this!
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I can definitely benefit from learning more about this topic. Thank you!
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I’m so excited for this series! Once again TWT will be providing teachers with incredible gifts. Thank you all for ALL YOU DO!❤️
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