Brief 2: Writing Workshop: The Essential Guide Chapters 1-3
“Students will use writing in countless ways: to communicate, express, question, persuade, synthesize, teach. (Fletcher and Portalupi, 2001, p. 1)” This statement carries unimaginable power when considered in the context of a child’s academic future. Writing will be the tool that they use to articulate their thoughts and opinions throughout their entire academic career. However, it holds even more value when it is considered in the context of a child’s life and liberties. As individuals, we hold opinions and beliefs that are not always shared by everyone, or even a large majority, but we still have the right to hold these beliefs and through our writing, we have the right to express and defend our beliefs. Without the ability
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1)”. To begin, the authors remind us how essential it is to create a classroom environment that fosters a positive space in which students can think, write, and collaborate with their peers. Next, the reading highlights the necessary steps that a teacher must take to structure the writing workshop in order to nurture success. Another integral part the writing workshop is how the space is designed to accommodate the needs of students. Teachers are challenged to step out of their comfort zone and to allow students to have a say in what would make the classroom a more comfortable space in which to write, as well as allowing students to sit in “clusters of desks [which] also makes it easier for students to ask for and receive help from each other. (Fletcher and Portalupi, 2001, p. 17)” Finally, we are left with helpful points on how to create a safe environment that allows students to take risks with their writing, without fear of failure or