3P's Daily Writing Routine:

Mini-Lesson

During this time, a new "teaching point" or skill is introduced.  This skill is modeled and then students are given the opportunity to practice by "turning and talking" to their buddy.

Independent Writing

After the mini-lesson, students return to their "book nook" (a special writing space in the room).  Students are given the opportunity to practice the skill modeled during the mini-lesson using their own writing in their Writing Notebook. Students write for approximately 25-30 minutes using the following process:Brainstorming, Drafting, Conferencing, Revising, Publishing.  

While students are writing, I conference with individual students.  During my conferences, I read students' stories, engage in discussions, and offer an additional "teaching point" for students to practice.  I use a checklist to track my conferences and drive further instruction.

Closing

Once our bell rings, students return to their seats.  A few volunteers are called upon to share their writing.  After students share, we use the closing to reflect on the day's "teaching point"/skill.  Students use a post-it note to answer the following question: "What have you learned about yourself as a writer today?"  Additionally, students write either "1," "2," or "3" on the bottom of the post-it note to let me know how comfortable they are with the new skill.