Writer's Workshop

One of the most popular free choice activities in my classroom happens to be the 'Writer's Workshop' boxes. Now, what is this, you may wonder…

It is quite simple! Children who are beginning writers love to use their imagination to explore the writing process.

Providing a variety of media that allows them to use this imagination is what the Writer's Workshop is all about. Things such as:

• envelopes
• colored paper
• assorted stationery
• markers
• colored pencils
• rubber stamps
• assorted hole punches
• tape
• stapler & staples
• stickers

etc. are all things that can be placed into boxes and used in the Writer's Workshop. Leftover scrapbooking paper, giftwrap, ribbons, yarn…just about anything will do. The more variety of hodge-podge items, the better!

Children will take the multi-media and turn them into letters, cards, and assorted projects and will WRITE and publish their work. The stapler is a tool that is not to be left out as it is wonderful for children to begin making their own little booklets. Just know that it does take time for them to figure out how to use it without breaking it! (I went through FIVE staplers this year alone!!!)

The sheer enjoyment of being able to create projects for one another is something that the Kindergartners in my class relish. I purchased a small wooden 'mailbox' and during their free choice time, many children can be found writing letters and putting them in the mailbox to be delivered. The only rule is that the letters MUST be addressed and any without a name is thrown away. Children who do not receive 'mail' are often sad, to which I say, "Did you write a letter to anyone? If not, then you shouldn't expect a letter!" This has made our Writer's Workshop even busier than ever!

So, if you have a few leftover sheets of that fancy letterhead, toss it into the Writer's Workshop area. You'll be surprised at how much your child will enjoy it!