One of my go-to ways to breathe new life into writing workshop is to invite students to create their own writing projects. This doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. It can happen between units or in the middle of a unit. It can happen in one workshop or a handful of workshops. 

Trust me, invite your students to create their own writing projects, and their energy for writing will increase.

Below are two minilessons (one for primary and the other for intermediate writers) to springboard into a invitation for students to pursue their own writing projects.

I’d love to know how you breathe new energy into your writing workshop. Leave a comment and let us know!

Lesson: WRITE YOUR BEST BOOK EVER (K-3)
Playlists:

Grades K-1
Grades 2-3
Routines
Launching Writing Workshop

Description: Launch writing workshop with students writing their BEST BOOK EVER! In this lesson, students are invited to consider the things they know as writers to write a BEST BOOK EVER. 

Special Notes: There is an explanation of the routine for “turn and talk” in the middle of this video.

Extra Resources: Check out the webpage I put together with the chart and inspiration boxes.

Lesson: WHAT WILL YOU MAKE IN WRITING WORKSHOP? (3-UP)
Playlists:

Grades K-1
Grades 2-3
Routines
Writing Process
Launching Writing Workshop

Description: Offer an invitation for students to create their own writing projects. Students consider audience, genre, purpose, and topic when developing writing projects. 

Special Notes: Make sure to create the chart to use in the minilesson, inspiration boxes for students, and to give students access to the WIP Brainstorm Sheet (found on the resource page).

Extra Resources: Click here for the chart, inspiration box explanation, and WIP Brainstorm Sheet on the resources page.