Writing Workshop

Writing Workshop is an essential component of Pathways 2.0, providing instruction and time for learners to write in meaningful ways. The block of time for Writing Workshop consists of whole-group instruction, small-group instruction and independent writing. Because of this gradual release of responsibility, learners become proficient at writing and are able to transfer skills to other disciplines.

The Writing Workshop block is designed to provide learners with opportunity to write daily for extended periods of time, to become a community of writers who give and receive feedback, and to assume ownership of writing.

Small Group Instruction

Small Guided Writing groups are formed based on teacher analysis of assessments. These are small group of learners needing additional scaffolding in writing craft or conventions. In these temporary groups, explicit instruction is provided through modeling, demonstration, or practice.

Whole Group Instruction

Writing or Grammar Mini-lessons are short, focused lessons on a single topic. Topics may include conventions, grammar skills, writing strategies, and writer’s craft. The structure for the mini-lesson is teach/model and guided practice, followed by independent practice. There are two writing and two grammar mini-lessons each week.

Writing Process

Typically, the writing process is followed when writing for extended time frames. The writing process includes prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Though the stages of the process appear to be linear, each writer moves through the process differently. For this reason, learners may be working at different stages of the writing process.

Handwriting

Direct, explicit handwriting instruction is a part of Pathways 2.0 for grades 1-6. Current research indicates that handwriting practice helps to develop reading circuitry in learners’ brains, makes better writers and spellers, as well as predicting reading and academic success (Gentry, 2016). Each school is encouraged to select a handwriting program that is used school-wide to promote consistency in instruction.

Independent Writing

Provides learners with opportunities to write over extended time frames or shorter time frames for a range of specific tasks, purposes, and audiences. Independent writing may or may not connect to strategies learned during the writing mini-lesson.

Learners have opportunity at the end of independent writing to share insights related to the work done as writers. Typically, the share begins with a teacher prompt.

Daily Lesson Guide sample page, Day 1: Writing Workshop mini-lesson on routines, with the components of the workshop listed
Daily Lesson Guide sample page continuing the Writing Workshop lesson with handwriting and independent writing

Writer’s Handbook:

Both teachers and students will use the Writer’s Handbook for mini-lessons and as a reference for language, writing, conventions, and other skills.

Cover

Copyright page

Contents

Contents

Contents

Contents

Chapter 1: Alphabetical Order and Dictionary

Alphabetical Order

Alphabetical Order

Dictionary

Chapter 2: Sentences

Select a page above or

Writer’s Handbook, Grades 1–2: cover
Writer’s Handbook copyright page
Writer’s Handbook table of contents: Alphabetical Order and Dictionary, Sentences, Grammar
Writer’s Handbook table of contents: Mechanics, The Writing Process
Writer’s Handbook table of contents: Writing Purposes, Forms of Writing, and Kinds of Writing; Organizing Ideas; Word Study and Spelling Patterns
Writer’s Handbook table of contents: Word Relationships and Word Lists by Categories, Index
Chapter 1 opener: Alphabetical Order and Dictionary
Handbook page explaining alphabetical order with mixed and ordered letters
Handbook page showing lists of words in alphabetical order
Handbook page labeling the parts of a dictionary entry
Chapter 2 opener: Sentences