Lucy Calkins Workshop Model
Our school uses the Lucy Calkins workshop model of reading and writing in both 6th and 7th grade. This allows teachers time to address each child's individual needs. Teachers do not teach texts, but strategies and skills that students can apply to their own work. Throughout the year, our goal is to build a community of learners, who are able to engage with a variety of texts through a blend of reading and writing.
A Typical Day
Teachers establish a simple and predictable routine at the start of the school year. Each workshop class begins with a 10-15 minute mini lesson where the teacher explicitly teaches a skill or strategy. This is done through a blend of modelling, questioning and thinking aloud. Then, students have a quick 3-4 minutes to try out the skill or strategy on their own, or in a partnership. The teacher checks in during this time. Afterward, students have about 20 minutes of independent work time with a focus on the goals of the lesson, or their own personal goals. During this time the teacher leads small group work or coaches students individually. Finally, in the last 5 minutes of class, the students and teacher meet back up again to debrief.
Learn More
To learn more about the units of study that we are following in reading and writing workshop follow the links below. You can also learn more about our word study program!
A Typical Day
Teachers establish a simple and predictable routine at the start of the school year. Each workshop class begins with a 10-15 minute mini lesson where the teacher explicitly teaches a skill or strategy. This is done through a blend of modelling, questioning and thinking aloud. Then, students have a quick 3-4 minutes to try out the skill or strategy on their own, or in a partnership. The teacher checks in during this time. Afterward, students have about 20 minutes of independent work time with a focus on the goals of the lesson, or their own personal goals. During this time the teacher leads small group work or coaches students individually. Finally, in the last 5 minutes of class, the students and teacher meet back up again to debrief.
Learn More
To learn more about the units of study that we are following in reading and writing workshop follow the links below. You can also learn more about our word study program!