5 Must Read books For Launching Writer’s Workshop
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Sept 30, 2023
Getting ready to launch Writer’s Workshop in your elementary classroom? In this post I share some of my very favorite professional development books for additional reading and lesson ideas to help make launching Writer’s Workshop stress free.
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Looking for some FREE resources to help with launching Writer’s Workshop? Grab my COMPLETE Writer’s Workshop Guide by clicking here or on the image or button below – it has everything you need for launching Writer’s Workshop and getting up and running in your own classroom!
What is Writer’s Workshop?
Writer’s Workshop is a framework for teaching writing that puts students at the the center. It revolves around the idea that students learn best when they are provided with opportunities to write frequently, for extended periods of time. In addition, students are encouraged to write on topics of their own choosing.
Writer’s Workshop facilitates a love of writing. It does this by providing students with time and choice. Like reading for pleasure, writing on ideas that they choose helps to create lifelong writers who find joy in the process.
For more information on Writer’s Workshop, check out this blog post.
Professional Development books for Launching Writer’s Workshop
I have gathered some of my favorite professional development books for launching writer’s workshop below. These books are great for gathering a little extra background information, as well as some new teaching tips and tricks to add to your toolbox. If you plan to launch writer’s workshop in your classroom, I highly recommend these titles.
For more great professional development reads, check out our favorite summer books for teachers!
Make Writing By Angela STockman
This book, written by Angela Stockman, is a game-changer for teachers, authors, and writing coaches alike. Stockman’s approach to teaching writing is refreshing, innovative, and above all, effective.
In her book Make Writing, Stockman is revolutionizing traditional teaching strategies. By introducing readers to the idea of maker space and encouraging teachers to explore new ways of teaching writing that are creative and engaging, she is providing innovative solutions for the ever-evolving world of education. With a friendly, enthusiastic, and informative tone, Stockman makes it easy to understand her perspective and apply it to any classroom setting. Make Writing is a must-read for any teacher looking for fresh ideas on how to get their students excited about writing!
Stockman’s writing strategies are not only practical but also easy to implement. She provides five innovative techniques that will reinvent writing instruction. Her writing will inspire both young and adult writers to express their ideas in unique and creative ways.
Grab a copy of this book on Amazon by clicking here.
Strategic Writing by Deborah Dean
This book offers a wealth of engaging and practical classroom activities. It is designed to help students develop their writing skills using digital tools and genres.
This book provides an invaluable resource for teachers of all grade levels. It’s full of practical ideas on how to foster writing skills in the classroom and beyond. It is packed with ideas for launching writer’s workshop. The clear organization of the material makes it easy to follow. This aids in helping teachers get up to speed quickly. Additionally, the appendixes provide example student work, teaching ideas and lesson plans that can be easily incorporated into existing lesson plans.
Dean’s focus on digital tools ensures that students become proficient users of technology and can adapt to the rapidly changing digital landscape. Through her guidance, she helps teachers understand how to inspire their students to make the most out of writing assignments in all formats.
Dean also offers explicit strategy talk and lesson plans that differentiate between strategy, activity, and mini-lessons. This approach ensures that teachers have a clear understanding of how to incorporate these activities into their teaching. She demonstrates clearly how these strategies can be tailored to meet the needs of individual students.
See this book on Amazon by clicking here.
From Striving to Thriving: Writers By Stephanie HArvey
This book is my very favorite on the list, and is a must read for teachers looking at launching writer’s workshop in their own classrooms.
This book provides 27 short writing scaffolds. Each scaffold is specifically designed to support student writing. The scaffolds encourage students to approach writing with energy and action.
One of the standout features of this book is its focus on integrating writing across the curriculum. The 27 writing strategies can be applied in a variety of subject areas. This makes it easy for teachers to incorporate them into their lesson planning. The strategies are designed to improve and integrate writing. In return, this helps students to become more proficient writers in all areas of their academic lives.
The writing scaffolds are specifically designed to support strivers. Strivers are defined as students who may struggle with writing and need additional support to succeed. The scaffolds are engaging and practical, designed to help students approach writing with confidence and enthusiasm. By breaking down the writing process into manageable steps, students can build their skills and become more confident writers over time.
Pick up a copy of the book on Amazon here.
The Writing Teacher’s Companion By Ralph Fletcher
This book is a practical and illuminating guide to writing workshop for both new and veteran teachers.
One of the standout features of this book is its accessibility. Fletcher provides clear and concise guidance on the best ways to get started with a writing workshop, as well as the components that are vital for success. Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned veteran, this book offers practical advice that can be applied in the classroom right away.
In addition to providing guidance on getting started, Fletcher offers insights into what it takes to sustain a successful writing workshop across the school year. He provides tips and strategies for engaging students. This creates a supportive classroom environment, and helps students develop their writing skills over time.
Fletcher is a celebrated author and educator. He has a deep understanding of what it takes to create a successful writing workshop. Because of this, his book is filled with practical examples, personal anecdotes, and clear explanations of the key concepts and strategies involved in running a successful workshop.
Creating Inclusive Writing Environments by Angela Stockman
This book offers tangible strategies that help teachers plan and sustain writing workshop experiences that are responsive to the needs of their specific students.
One of the standout features of this book is its focus on understanding why some writers fail to meet expectations and how to help all writers reach their fullest potential. Stockman reframes common narratives about resistant writers and empowers teachers to design, lead, and refine their writing workshops. To help with this, she provides a toolkit to help teachers create a workshop that meets the unique needs of their students.
The book is organized into three parts. The first part helps teachers understand why some writers may struggle and offers strategies for overcoming resistance. Next, the second part gives tips to design and lead a successful writing workshop. To do this, she provides practical advice to help teachers plan and implement effective writing instruction. Finally, the third part provides a toolkit for teachers, with appendices and eResources that offer instructions for mini-lessons and learning targets that support multimodal composition.
See this book on Amazon by clicking here.
Interested in a free guide to help you launch writer’s workshop?
Click here or on the image below to grab a copy of my FREE Writer’s Workshop guide!
For additional information on engaging writers, check out our tips and tricks for descriptive writing and our guide to the RACE writing strategy!
Looking for some Ways to help support your learners during writer’s workshop time?
Check out some of these helpful resources available in my TPT shop!
Looking for more writer’s Workshop ideas?
Check out some of my previous writing posts by clicking on the links below.
Descriptive Writing for Middle School
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