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Mastering The Use of The writer’s workshop

Weekending 10th October, 2025

By: Polly M. Jeremiah

      We generally hold the view that our knowledge of practices used in our daily dispensations of our duties, are either effective or are the only method possible in meeting our objective. However, our introduction to better alternatives, is a clear reminder, of our constant need to continue refreshing our expertise with new best practices, or alternative ones. This is precisely the case with my learning in relation to using the ‘Writer’s Workshop’, this week.

      My emersion into the use of this effective teaching method, was rather fascinating, for I recognised aspects of it, which I used in my writing classes, however, I got them from colleagues, who themselves learned it from other teachers through observation and discussion, but never knew of its origins or its full principles. Never the less, I was rather amazed to see how simple it is, with its student centred approach, in line with constructivists’ pedagogical principles, which gives students the option of writing on topics of their interest. Its well organised structure fits perfectly with the principle of routine while giving young writers a process with procedures to follow. This has highlighted one of my grave mistakes in teaching writing, which was, focusing only on the finished product. However, the writing workshop has shown me, that it is of paramount importance to have students learn a process, in order to develop their writing skills. Another point that got my attention, was the well-structured period, with time allocation for explicit teaching, independent work, conferencing and sharing.

      Obviously, although the course is still in its infancy, I feel like a writing teacher now. I will definitely be using the writing workshop on my return to the classroom, for I see here, an effective, organised method, children can easily learn and use, as they develop their writing skills.

Comments

  1. Cami GeorgeOctober 16, 2025 at 7:44 PM

    Polly, your reflection on the Writer’s Workshop really spoke to me. I share the same sentiments as you about the importance of focusing on the writing process instead of only the finished product. Your point about the balance of explicit teaching, independent work, conferencing, and sharing really stood out. It shows how organized and student-centered this method is. Reading your post made me think about how I can use similar strategies in my classroom to help my students build both their writing skills and their confidence as writers. Well done!

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