The workshop model is an incredibly efficient method of teaching reading and writing. Within the workshop structure, I am able to address both the whole group’s needs as well as differentiating for the needs of small groups and individuals. By utilizing this instructional practice, teachers are essentially getting the most “bang for their buck!” When successfully implemented, the workshop model allows me to not only meet standards but also provide students the time and support they need to grow into fluent readers and writers. Workshop is:
A component of a balanced literacy block
Standards based
Driven by student assessment
Differentiated instruction (by level, interest, groupings)
During a workshop lesson I can:
model reading and writing in front of students
Have students spend time engaged in independent reading and writing
have students share writing by helping you/classmates compose, revise or edit a piece of writing
Have student share in the reading by utilizing partner reading strategies
confer with students, guiding their reading and writing and teaching them skills and strategies
The workshop structure is made up of the mini-lesson, work time and share time.
The Mini-Lesson is where the teacher teaches the students a skill or strategy through demonstration and direct instruction
Work Time is when the students are reading and writing and directly applying the lesson they just learned. This is also when teachers conduct small groups and individual conferences with students.
Share Time is when students have the opportunity to share with the rest of the class how they used the skill or strategy just learned or reinforced in the mini-lesson.