HACKING THE WRITING WORKSHOP

“Today, writers make and break and tinker and play inside of my (writing) workshops.” (pg. 206).

WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR THE FUTURE

• Using design thinking
• Writing as a process and experience
• Teaching writing in an ever changing world...must prepare students for the future.

HACK #1

• Design thinking workshop uses assessment to deepen empathy
• Isn’t sequential or linear, complex process with creative applications

HACK #2

• Engage the student as a “maker”
• Encourage students to write using their own experiences
• Chunk writing one bit at a time
• Encourage and model reflection

HACK #3

• Create collaborative and purposeful spaces in the classroom for writing
• Creative minds need creative spaces

HACK #4

• Consider unintended consequences of routines and procedures
• Do they welcome writers and encourage collaboration?

HACK #5

• Design a notebook that is essential to students’ writing lives
• Students believe it is not a “may do” but a “must do”

HACK #6

• Plan with students
• Invite inquiry to support learning
• How will you notice, note, and reflect on results?

HACK #7

• Coach and empower students to document their learning in creative ways

HACK #8

• Revise and edit in new ways
• Think of each writing piece as blocks
• Write bit by bit, to provide highly targeted feedback

HACK #9

• Unpack learning targets even further
• Ask students to self assess
• When students know the target they will become better at reflecting on their learning

HACK #10

• Feedback should be timely
• Define compliments and criticism for students, and ask students to reflect before they give feedback

Want More?

• Connect with others on Twitter! #makewriting #dtk12chat @AngelaStockman
• Check out Angela Stockman's other books about writing workshop