This is the first in a series on middle school writing with a focus on the benefits of writing workshop in your classroom.
If you’re reading this, you are wondering if writing workshop in middle school is right for you. Or maybe it’s your first job, and maybe you are a veteran teacher who has been told to teach with this model. Well, you are in the right place! I am hopeful that through my experience, this blog post series will help guide and inspire you to either get started with a writing workshop model of teaching or to hone your skills further.
Why is Teaching Writing So Hard?
I know firsthand that teaching writing is by far the most complex, and let’s just say it, the most difficult part of being a middle school language arts teacher. You have to teach multiple classes with multiple levels. Some kids love writing, but many do not. They might not love it because they don’t see themselves as “good” at it, they might lack skills, and they might just think it’s tedious.
On your end, you have to plan units, grade them, and keep your kids on task. It really is a monumental task. If you’ve been struggling you are NOT alone. I struggled greatly at the beginning, and I truly understand what you are experiencing.
You will absolutely find that writing workshop in middle school is the way to go. Kids are much more active, and you will assume the role of a coach rather than teaching tedious and meaningless lessons that kids are not only not applying, but don’t buy into because they don’t see how it concerns them.
But First, a Freebie!
Before we begin, I want to make sure that you know to grab a very valuable freebie. I recently published a course on teaching writing workshop in middle school on a platform called teachable.com. In case you don’t know, teachable is a place to find courses on anything and everything. And, you can earn professional development hours by taking an online course in the comfort of your own home.
I am offering the first module, along with the workbook for this section, for free! This free offer will help you see if the course is right for you. I can tell you, though, the course is right for you if you need to teach writing workshop but either are new or need to re-vamp what you are doing.
Here is the link to grab your freebie!
Click here for more info on the course
Waaaaayyyyyy Too Many Pedagogies
Being a teacher for over 3 decades, I have seen many different methods and pedagogies come and go. I haven’t loved them all. In fact, I haven’t loved most of them if I’m being honest.
For those of you who have been teaching for a long time, you know the drill…you get a new administrator and you have to shift gears and try out a new program. They just add a whole new major item to your curriculum, and it’s up to you to try to fit it in with what you are doing, or you are being asked to throw away what you have been doing previously after investing so much time and energy. It can be very, very frustrating.
Benefits of Writing Workshop: It’s a Solid Framework of Teaching
I can honestly say that the one method that has stayed with me throughout my entire career is the workshop framework for teaching reading and writing. It is an absolutely solid way of teaching that will never go out of style. There are so many benefits of writing workshop. It is based on teaching small, specific skills via a mini-lesson, giving kids time to read and write, and conferencing with them to see how you can help.
I honestly love it. Once you set it up, it is such a streamlined and easy way to run your class. It does, however, take some time upfront and that is what we will get into. For now, here are a few actionable items so that you can start teaching writing workshop now.
What is Writing Workshop?
I don’t want to assume that you know what writing workshop is, so in case you don’t, here are a few main points:
- Writing workshop is a framework for students to work on the process of writing.
- Usually, the goal is a final piece of writing with a focus on the process of attaining this goal.
- Writing workshop applies to any type of writing (argumentative, narrative, informational, etc.).
- The main components of a writing workshop are mini lessons, time for writing, revision/editing, conferencing, and publishing.
- The difference between writing workshop in middle school and say, assigning an essay, is that you take your students through all the steps as a process, teaching explicitly and assisting along the way.
What Can Your Students Expect from Writing Workshop in Middle School?
With writing workshop, your students will:
- have a clear understanding of the skills taught within a unit
- have time to write in class
- have time to practice different skills within their writing without a formal grade
- feel free to take risks so that they can grow as writers
- work with a partner throughout a unit so they have someone with whom they can bounce ideas
- have time to ask questions and get input via one-on-one conferencing
- understand the grading process ahead of time so that they can do their absolute best
- publish pieces that they will be proud of and that reflect growth in their writing abilities
As you can see, there are so many benefits of writing workshop. It is a process that takes kids where they are and guides them to truly understand skills and become better writers. Plus, it’s so much more fun for you because you can enjoy helping them along in a way that is not overwhelming to you.
Not enough time to read? Try the Podcast!
I recently started a Podcast for middle school language arts teachers. Check it out!
I hope this information is helpful. Be sure to look for my next blog post, which will focus on what you need to do to get started teaching writing workshop in middle school. And don’t forget to grab your freebie so you can get started right away.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to comment below.
Wishing you and your students all the best.
-Linda A. “All in One Middle School“
Helpful links:
Join the All in One Middle School Membership!
Free Writing Workshop “Getting Started” Module 1
Writing Workshop Products on my TPT Store
One-on-One Coaching for Observations and Lessons
Teaching Writing Workshop Course
Click here to join the Middle School Language Arts Facebook Group
