Writer's Workshop & Conferences

Guiding Rules
Dialogue

01

Sit beside the writer and have an

uninterrupted, intimate
conversation in which the writer
outlines their intentions,
interpretation and feelings about
their work.
CreateaCommonPurpose
ScaffoldGoals
Coach&Cheerlead

StudentCentered
Interactive
AskLeadingQuestions
CheckforUnderstanding

Feedback

02

One of the most effective, short

term fluency and writing goal
attainment interventions.

StudentReflectionOpportunity

Quality Emphasis

Higher order skill attainment and

cognitive development is impeded
by regular, repeated focus on
surface errors and mechanical
skills.
AnswerQuestionsWith:
Prompts
Redirection
Resources

Positivity

Teacher enthusiasm is contagious,

sets the tone, enables student
confidence, and increases writer
motivation--good breeds good!

MixUpConferenceFocuses

03

StrugglingWritersStill
NeedExposuretoHigher
LevelTextandProcesses

Decrease Dependency

04
05

Foster student autonomy and

proficiency in editing and processes.
Don't give answers freely and
increase their understanding and
use of available tools and resources.
BeAuthentic
BeEncouraging
BeSupportive

Conference Architecture
The writer leads.
The teacher follows and suggests new paths.

Research

Observe and interview for writer's

intention, goals, and attitude.
Support knowledge with what the
writer has already done, and will
do in the future. Know your writer.
Ideally,GoWithWriter's:
Interest
Intention
TieinCurriculum

STEP

Prompt

01

STEP

02

Probe
Checkin

Decide

With consideration of curriculum and

writer growth, support and accept
student goals, or alter as necessary.

SetAGoal

Teach

Get the writer started in a way that

achieves their own or curriculum
goals while elevating skill.
GuidedPractice
Demonstration
ExplicitShow&Tell
Inquiry

Link

Repeat teaching point in

connection to student writing in
the past and future.

STEP

03
STEP

04
STEP

05

StudentReflection
ModelProcesses:
Physical
Thinking

Methodology

Choose which method will be most

valuable to focus the teaching
element within the conference.

Writer:
Advances/Continues
w/LessTeacherSupport