Workshop Overview

In this three-session workshop, for Grades 3 to 8, educators will embark on a journey to explore the Writers Workshop model, a research-backed approach designed to foster creativity, engagement, and writing proficiency among students.

Over the course of three days, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Writers Workshop model and its integration with other curricular models, while also learning how to design and deliver effective mini lessons to support students’ writing development. The workshop will culminate in a deep dive into the support structures that personalize learning for students and the tools that make Writers Workshop a successful and enjoyable experience for both teachers and students.

On day 1, participants will unpack the Workshop Model. Day 2 will focus on designing effective Mini Lessons with a Guided Inquiry Approach. Day 3 the concluding session will look at personalizing learning with Writers Workshop support structures.

Throughout the workshop, educators will engage in hands-on activities, group discussions and collaborative exercises to foster a supportive and dynamic learning community. By the end of three sessions, participants will be equipped to implement their own Writers workshop effectively, nurturing a passion for writing, while honoring student voice and choice.

Facilitator:

Heather Onderick

Heather Onderick has over 20 years experience in the classroom and as a learning leader. She has worked to design learning rooted in the American, Singaporean, Ontario standards and also with the Common Ground Collaborative framework. She has worked as an ELL teacher, an elementary classroom teacher and middle school Humanities teacher. Heather’s areas of expertise include universal design for learning, concept driven curricular design, student centered coaching, AI in education and reading and writing workshop. Outside of school, she is an avid reader, aspiring chef and dedicated traveler.