Reading Writing Workshop: Create Mini-Lessons in 5 Easy Steps

Anyone who teaches with reading writing workshop knows one certain truth: you have to plan to have a successful workshop. When I first started teaching reading writing workshop in my middle school language arts class, I felt so bogged down in the planning. I soon came to realize that I couldn’t do it all right away. So I decided to focus on how I create mini-lessons. Here’s what I do:

Step One: Look at the Big Picture

You need to know what you want to achieve in your unit. If you are just starting out, don’t worry about every little detail. Look at how long you have to teach your unit, and then pick the skills that you think your students need. For example, if you are teaching a unit on character study, you might need about 4 weeks. That’s 20 school days. Out of those days, you might need about 15 days of lessons (some days should be devoted to discussion, whether with a partner or book club).

Step Two: Choose Your Skills/Lessons to Create Mini Lessons

Once you know how many lessons you will need, brainstorm a bunch of ideas for skills that your kids will need. For example, if you are doing this unit at the beginning of the year, you might want a lesson on plot structure. You might also consider a lesson on point of view, or character traits. Brainstorm as many ideas as you can, and then choose from there.

Step Three: Decide How to Present the Mini-Lesson

When I first started teaching workshop, there was a big push to NOT use PowerPoint or Google slide presentations. We were taught that it took away from the “intimacy” of the lesson. I would have a scripted lesson, keep notes close by, gather kids around, and teach. I used lots of easel pads!

Then, in 2020, all bets were off with remote learning and social distancing. I scrambled to get my lessons into Google Slides so that I could share them virtually. And you know what? I found out that using a Google slide presentation did NOT take away from the intimacy of my lessons. We still “gathered”, and we still discussed. I found it much easier to stay on track with a pre-set slideshow. Whichever way you decide to go is fine; just weigh the pros and cons before beginning your planning.

Step Four: Create Mini Lessons One at a Time

Planning an entire unit is always overwhelming, so you really need to take it one step at a time. Start with your first mini-lesson. When I create a mini-lesson, I always have these components:

• Connection: Here you link what you have learned to where you are going in the lesson.
• Teaching Point: It is crucial to explicitly state to your students what you want them to learn.
• Active Engagement: This is where you want to show a real-life example and then have students practice during the lesson.  Use “turn and talk” here so that students use the skill in a partnership.  I personally assign partners at the beginning of each unit, so there is never a question of to whom they should be speaking.  I also like to share a bit of what was discussed with partners.
• Student Objective: This is very important; it’s where students are given directions for their workshop time.  Keep it brief and specific.  It is always best to note that students should be doing this every time they read or write, not just in this lesson.

Click here for a free template and sample lesson

Step Five: Timing with Reading Writing Workshop Mini-Lessons

This can’t be overstated: mini-lessons need to be brief. The point of the reading workshop is to get kids reading and using the skills you taught. You can’t learn to read from hearing about reading only; you need time to practice. If you were learning how to play the piano, you can’t learn just by someone talking about it…you need to actually play. So aim to keep your lessons 10-15 minutes long. It is difficult, at times, to do that. This is why you need a clear plan going into your lesson.

Stating the parameters of the mini-lesson time to your students will also help. Tell your students that during a mini-lesson, you will do the talking and they will do the listening. It is not time for questions, discussion, and anecdotes (until the turn and talk portion of the lesson). At the end, you will be sending kids off to read with clear directions.

Keep Practicing with Reading Writing Workshop Mini Lessons

Teaching is an art. You won’t get it right every time, and it will take some practice. You can refine it as you go along. The point is to get started, keep consistent, and keep plugging along. Just remember your real goal…to get kids to love reading, and to give them clear, simple skills to become more critical readers. If you can do that, you’ve succeeded!

I’d like to offer you a free example reading mini-lesson on literary terms and plot structure to get you started. This is a paid product on my TPT store, but it is free to my subscribers.

Also, if you need more help, I have many reading and writing workshop mini-lesson products on my TPT store.

Reading Mini-Lessons

Writing Mini-Lessons

Writing Workshop Course

If you need more guidance, check out my Teaching Writing Workshop Course. It’s a complete course that will set you up for success for the entire year. Module 1 is free so that you can see if it’s right for you. Be sure to check it out!