Writers need to feel ready to write and knowing where, what and how you will begin this thing called writing is an important start. Space and tools are unique to the writer and can change from day to day. Respect this and allow the opportunity for each writer to search and make choices for writing.
Category: writing workshop
Thoughts on Teaching Writing to Children with Special Needs
As I hold on to my last day of summer I am reminding myself to be optimistic and open when encountering children who have special needs. How will you tackle the challenges of special needs children in your classroom this year?
Building a culture of bravery in writing workshop
In these early days of writing workshop, we work on being brave...
A Parent’s Guide To Writing Workshop
Back to School Night is around the corner! When it comes to writing workshop, what do we need families to know?
Back to School Posts on TWT
We've curated some of our top 'Back to School' posts to help you plan and launch your writing workshop.
7 Things I Want the Writers in my Classroom to Know
I am uneasy referring to myself as an author. I have writers I admire and I know there’s a vast divide between us, but I write. I enjoy writing; I write to improve my voice and my craft all in an effort to teach my students what it means to be a writer. As an educator I know all my students ARE writers. I don’t qualify who is and who is not a writer by the quality of their writing. I am working to give myself this same level of acceptance as a writer.
Why We Gather: The Importance of a Classroom Meeting Area
You might be so completely used to your classroom arrangement that it seems normal to you -- but it maybe could be better.
A Place for Quiet
How do you structure your workshop to work for all personalities?
Give Heart Maps a Rest! Try Writing Territory Maps
The heart map is a great tool for helping students find personally meaningful topics, but used year after year, it might feel a little stale. Writing territory maps is another option!
Time Spent Writing
Let’s remember that the real work of writing workshop is writing.
Setting the Stage for Choice in Writing Workshop
Choice Brings Agency and Focus The multitude of choices open to learners today has brought more authenticity and agency to our classroom. These opportunities have refocused how we plan, write, learn, and our roles as student and teacher. Student choice is encouraged not only in the way we learn but also in how and what we… Continue reading Setting the Stage for Choice in Writing Workshop
Enticing Kids to Revise, Revise, Revise
One of the biggest challenges you might face in writing workshop is this: getting kids to see the power and purpose of revision. Here are a few tips for helping kids understand how important and rewarding revision can be, organized by writing process phases.

