Lucy Calkins Writing Workshop
A Series of Books for Teaching Writing in the Intermediate Grades (Virtual Tour)
Stage of Literacy Development:
Stage 3: Literacy for GrowthAges:
8-12
Grade Range:
3rd 4th 5th 6thFood Groups:
Primary: Writing Processes & Strategies, Text Structures & Genres
Activity Description
Preparation:
-
Select and review mini lesson
- Use the Lucy Calkins’ Unit of Study guidebook to select a lesson
-
Select an appropriate text for a read aloud
- For example, use a book of poems when implementing the poetry unit of study
-
Prepare writing tasks and materials
- Prepare a writing folder and notebook for each student
- Include a variety of writing utensils and paper at the writing center
Implementation:
Launching the Writing Workshop:
-
This unit helps teachers gauge students’ current level of writing and sets the foundation for the writing workshop program
- For example, better understand students’ concepts of print and their ability to express ideas in writing
- Learn more about Launching the Writing Workshop at http://unitsofstudy.com/iuos/tocLaunching.asp
Raising the Quality of Narrative Writing:
-
In this unit, students learn about the qualities of strong narrative writing
- Learn more about Raising the Quality of Narrative Writing at http://unitsofstudy.com/iuos/tocRaising.asp
Breathing Life into Essays:
-
Students learn about essay writing in this unit, including how to frame an essay
- Learn more about Breathing Life into Essays at http://unitsofstudy.com/iuos/tocBreathing.asp
Writing Fiction: Big Dreams, Tall Ambitions:
-
This unit helps students develop the elements of fiction in story writing
- Learn more about Writing Fiction: Big Dreams, Tall Ambitions at http://unitsofstudy.com/iuos/tocFiction.asp
Literary Essays: Writing About Reading:
-
Students learn about essay writing as it relates to reading in this unit of study
- Learn more about Literacy Essays: Writing About Reading at http://unitsofstudy.com/iuos/tocEssays.asp
Memoir: The Art of Writing Well:
-
This unit inspires students to connect to their writing
- Learn more about Memoir: The Art of Writing Well at http://unitsofstudy.com/iuos/tocMemoir.asp
Adaptations For
English Language Learners/ESL:
- Use visual cues and pictures on anchor charts and during instruction - Provide all students with personal dictionaries that include visual cues - Use graphic organizers to visualize steps in writing
LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:
- Keep instructions short and simple - Present information visually using pictures and graphic organizers - Model all assignments and tasks - Break down assignments into smaller components and provide frequent feedback - Provide checklists and/or samples of finished products
Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:
- Encourage students to share their own experiences - Include books that represent all backgrounds, genders, exceptionalities and avoid stereotypes
Differentiated Instruction:
- Use a variety of materials and visuals - Include a variety of learning activities and centers
Related References
Troia, G., Lin, S., Cohen, S., & Monroe, B. (2011). A year in the writing workshop. The Elementary School Journal, 80(2), 101.
Activity Objective
The goal of Lucy Calkins Writing Workshop: A Series of Books for Teaching Writing in the Intermediate Grades (Virtual Tour) is to use a method developed by Lucy Calkins to aid students in understanding the interacting stages of the writing process.
What You Need
Prep Time:
20 minutes
- Select and review mini lesson
- Select appropriate text for read aloud
- Prepare writing task and materials
Task Time:
30-40 minutes sessions
- Teacher implements mini lesson
- Students work on writing
- Teacher conferences with students
- Students share writing
Materials Required:
Teacher:
- Units of Study, Grades 3-5: A Yearlong Curriculum, by Lucy Calkins
What You Do
Teacher Role:
Direct instruction:
- while teacher implements mini lesson
Facilitator:
- while students share writing
Consultant:
- while students work on writing and teacher conferences with students
Student Grouping:
Whole class:
- during mini lesson and sharing
Individual:
- during writing and conferences
Assessment Ideas:
- Track students writing progress during one-on-one conferences.
- Record observations, strengths, next steps and goals for each student.
- Have students assess their own writing by using checklists.
Quick Tips
Additional Comments:
- Each of the units of study supports 4-6 weeks of the year-long curriculum.
- Make home-school connections by providing parents with an introductory letter about the writing workshop and updates about each unit of study.
- Establish the routines and practices of the writing workshop at the start of the school year.
- Hold one-on-one conferences with students during the writing workshop.
Other Adaptations/Modifications:
- Strategically seat students who might require cues to refocus
- Provide a quiet working space for students disturbed by sound
- Assistive technology provides students with independence
Other Recipes by this Teacher
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Interactive Whiteboard: A Forum for Student Learning (Virtual Tour)
4th - 6th
Student Response System: An Interactive Tool for Assessment (Virtual Tour)
4th - 6th
A Continuum of Literacy Learning: Components of a Literacy Program (Virtual Tour)
4th - 6th
Read, Write, Share: Planning for Book Talks Using the Promethean Board (Virtual Tour)
4th - 6th
