The Writing ConferenceThe Writing Conference

Empowering Students Empowering Students

for Writing Successfor Writing Success

The Writers WorkshopThe Writers Workshop

• Whole group instruction-10-15 min. – The teacher does direct instruction on a mini

lesson/ a focus lesson based on need.

• Writing Time- 50 min. – Students are writing or rewriting. – The teacher conducts writing conferences.

• Sharing- 10-15 min.– Students share what they have written.

Purpose of the ConferencePurpose of the Conference

• To help improve students’ writing skills

• To focus on the critical areas that need attention

• To engage in an informal conversation of the student’s writing

• To empower students to make changes

Format of the ConferenceFormat of the Conference

• The student comes to the conference with his/her paper. They come prepared with questions.

• The teacher has a list of focused questions to ask about the paper.

• The student leaves with answers and changes to make to their paper.

• It could be an individual or small group conference.

• The conference can begin with the student reading portions of their paper aloud.

The Role of the TeacherThe Role of the Teacher

• The teacher is a coach to the student writer.

• The teacher acts as a facilitator.

• The teacher asks questions.

The Role of the StudentThe Role of the Student

• The student brings a product for review.

• The student seeks answers to question they have.

• The student revisits the paper for corrections, additions, or deletions.

The Tone of the ConferenceThe Tone of the Conference

• The teacher should set the tone of the conference. It should be a positive, friendly, cooperative exchange between the teacher and the student writer

Time Frame Time Frame

• The conference should last no more than 5-10 minutes.

• Everyone must come prepared for the conference.

QuestionsQuestions

• The teacher and student will come with questions they need answered about the paper.

Keeping Track Keeping Track

• It is important for the teacher to keep track of the conferences they have with students and the outcome of those conferences.

Instructional ImplicationsInstructional Implications

• The questions/answers and suggestions from the writing conference can provide teachers with data on what to reteach.

RewritingRewriting

• Once students have received a score on their paper, they should be given the opportunity to rewrite the paper. This is part of the writing process.

Writing Conference Simulation Writing Conference Simulation

• You will pair with another person.

• One of you will take on the role of the teacher, and the other will take on the role of the student writer.

• You will be given a list of questions to ask the student.

The End The End