5 Ways to Make Your Reading and Writing Workshop More Learner Driven.
Wait a minute…I thought reading and writing workshop was already a learner driven community. I know this might be what you are thinking. I mean, the teacher is teaching some of the time; but not all of the time. If partnerships and clubs are used, then peers are teaching and learning from each other. Am I right?
Trust me I get it!
I used reading and writing workshop for 6 years. And for 8 years I’ve provided professional development for teachers on how to implement the workshop model. I wish I knew what a learner driven community really was when I first started using reading and writing workshop.
If you use reading and writing workshop, then your classroom or homeschool probably looks like this:
Mini Lesson-
The teacher shares one strategy and models how to do it. Then students have the opportunity to practice the strategy for a couple of minutes. Lastly, the teacher finishes the lesson by reminding them of what the strategy was and encourages them to try it out during independent work time.
Independent Work-
Students read or write by themselves for a long chunk of time while the teacher meets with students in conferences or small groups. If there’s time, partnerships and clubs are implemented.
Mid-Workshop Teaching-
The teacher pauses independent work to teach the class another quick strategy.
Share-
Everyone comes together to share their work. Sometimes the teacher may share, a few students might share, or maybe students will share with their partner or club mates.
Want a reading and writing workshop that is more learner driven?
I encourage you NOT to do the following:
- Mini Lessons taught only by the teacher.
- Students reading and writing independently for long chunks of time with no peer interaction.
- Conferences and small group instruction only lead by the teacher.
- Mid-workshop teaching only taught by the teacher.
- Only the teacher shares at the end of workshop.
So how do you make your literacy classroom or homeschool more learner driven?
If you work in a district or school that requires you to do a workshop model, no need to fear. There is a way to transform your workshop classroom or any classroom into a learner driven community.
It’s time to MAKE THE SHIFT!
Try at least ONE learning transformational shift below to get started.
Have you listened to The All Things Are Possible Teacher Podcast yet?
If not, listen to the trailer episode and episode 01 called “What Every Learner Driven Community Needs To Thrive”. I asked educators two really important questions to help them create the kind of learning environment they’ve been dreaming about for their students and children. Now I’m going to ask you the same two questions.
- What would be your DREAM learning environment for your students or children?
- What would teaching and learning look like?
I encourage you to grab your favorite notebook or journal and brainstorm what you want your learning environment to look like, feel like, and sound like. And dream big, teacher friend! No matter how little you may think it is OR how big it may seem…write it all down on paper. Try not to focus on potential obstacles or challenges that might come up while you are brainstorming all the things. I don’t want anything to hinder your creative ideas from flowing.
Once you have your list of what your learning community looks like whether it’s at home or school, share your list on Facebook or Instagram and tag me @desireemcgeegreene so I can cheer you on.
Always remember that all things are possible for YOU and your learners!
