Writer's Workshop

Writing has been a big focus of mine this year.  I have always felt like writing has slipped through the cracks in the past.  Last year I started using a book Step by Step Writing Lessons for K-1 by Davidson, Wuest and Camp.  I really liked the way it helped organize the writing workshop time of my day but I felt like I needed more for the everyday running of it.  This year as a book study several of the teachers at my school got together and read No More "I'm Done!" by Jennifer Jacobson.  This really made me think about the aspects that I haven't yet incorporated; conferencing (more than just the casual conferencing as I walk around the room) and author's chair. 

Earlier this week I wanted to incorporate more sharing and so I tried something new.  We worked on our writing during our workshop time but when the timer went off I had them take their pictures with them to the carpet.  We then made a circle and placed our pictures on the floor and took a picture walk.  We talked about what we saw in the pictures that we liked.  Pages full of colors, details of faces and clothes and people, labeling of people in the pictures, etc.

They really enjoyed sharing their pictures.  I hope to do some type of sharing at least once a week.