Workshop Overview

In this workshop for Grades 3 to 8, educators will embark on a journey to explore the Writers Workshop model, a research-backed approach from Teachers College, Columbia University designed to foster creativity, engagement, and writing proficiency among students. Over the course of two 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.

Session 1: Unpacking the Workshop Model and Integrating Curricular Models In this session, participants will be introduced to the foundational principles and research supporting the Writers Workshop model. They will inquire into each text type, examining the structure, development, and conventions of texts to construct teaching points for a unit. Participants will also be introduced to the various stages of the writing process with specific examples of mini-lessons for different genres of writing. By the end of this session, teachers will be prepared to launch the first few weeks of a Writers workshop unit.

Session 2: Designing Effective Mini Lessons with a Guided Inquiry Approach Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the structure of a mini-lesson in the Writers Workshop model. The session will focus on how to use guided inquiry to foster critical thinking and exploration during mini-lessons, creating a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Participants will also engage in a revision and publishing lesson, exploring how similar revision processes may look across different genres. The session will include the opportunity for participants to create their own mini-lesson with guidance from the facilitator, ensuring that their lessons are both engaging and aligned with workshop model principles.

Session 3: Personalizing Learning and Reflecting on the Workshop Model In this final session, participants will explore the support structures that personalize learning within the Writers Workshop. They will discuss and reflect on the tools that make Writers Workshop successful and enjoyable for both teachers and students. This session will also include opportunities for participants to seek clarification, share insights, and reflect on their learning journey. By the end of the workshop, 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.