Writer's Workshop

Writer's workshop is a time when the kids work on the craft of writing. We start with a mini-lesson and the kids then go off to write about a topic of their choice. I work my way around the room and always hope to give each child  a tidbit of direction. It might be helping them generate an idea to get started or how to add more detail to their piece.

This week, we worked on taking a piece of their choice to "publication", meaning they edited, revised and rewrote. It was neat to see the kids edit their peers' papers. By no means, was it an editing level that adults use but it did catch many errors and they gave each other ideas for adding details.

They then rewrote their piece, which they thought was a little absurd (But why, we already have it here?!). I reminded them if nobody can read their writing, it's time wasted. They will get to share their "fancy" writing, this week, with the other first grade classes.

My hope is that the next time we take a piece to publication, the bar will be raised and they will really begin to understand the process!