Writing Workshop: Descriptive Writing

In writing workshop, the kids have folders where they make a plan for themselves each week (lots of choices!), with the goal of trying six types of writing (narrative, expository, persuasive, and three genres from a suggested list). Each week we start with a “mini-lesson” (for example, last week we discussed the differences between narrative/expository and persuasive, and this week we practiced descriptive writing with sensory details – for haunted houses!) Then the kids have time to make a plan for the day and to write! Finally we pull together in a circle and share, snapping (vs clapping!) “poetry-slam-coffee-house-style” to show our appreciation and enjoyment! This will continue likely through this session, then when we come back in Jan or so, everyone will choose a favorite piece from the six (or beyond!) to keep working on! We will workshop these pieces, offering peer feedback, and work through 2nd drafts with revisions (idea-focused) and then final drafts with any needed “editing” – finally “publishing” a piece complete with pictures and covers as desired! This is the general plan for the year! My weekly summaries will briefly explain the mini-lesson of the day and perhaps highlight what kinds of pieces were shared and celebrated that day! Please feel free to reach out with any questions/comments/feedback…things like how best to help your child, or sharing thoughts about the class. I have been really enjoying the creativity and joy I’ve seen so far in our first few weeks & I am looking forward to getting to know the kids even more through their writing and sharing during this co-op year!