tales from the classroom: writing workshop

It’s back to school today. That day off yesterday was heavenly. Love surprises like that. It’s what keeps life interesting. I ended up doing just about half of the to-dos on my list, which was exactly my prediction. It was nice to be able to get some things done on Monday that I planned on doing next Saturday. I feel like I’m really ahead of the game now, and I love that feeling.

Today we’re “fancy-ing up” our writing. In my classroom we do writing workshop, which basically means the kids are learning writing through listening to books with superior writing, watching me model good writing, and most importantly doing writing. They write for 35-45 minutes a day. They’re first graders. And they’re serious.

I love this part of our day. Every afternoon the kids looks forward to writing, and get bummed out when something gets in the way.

Here’s an excerpt from a parent email I got recently:

I also wanted to let you know that Gabe really enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt you did, and that he’s missing writing workshop–he was lamenting the lack of time for it over breakfast this morning.  I loved hearing that!

See? They’re serious.

Anyways, most days we just use pencil during workshop. They sketch their pictures and work on the words of their stories. But the colored pencils, crayons, and markers are coming out today because on Wednesday, we will have our publishing party. We will share our “finished pieces”, read aloud, give compliments, and take pride in the work we have done. And then… then, we will dance.

DANCE PARTY. We dance to Black Eyed Peas and Taio Cruiz. We jam, clap our hands, and throw our arms up in the air. Like I said, it’s serious.

And fun, and rewarding, and deserving, and awesome.

It’s why I’m a teacher, and I love it.