When Writers Drive the Workshop

<p>With increasing school mandates and pressure to perform well on standardized tests writing instruction has shifted to more accountability taking the focus away from the writer. In his engaging book <i>When Writers Drive the Workshop: Honoring Young Voices and Bold Choices</i> author <b>Brian Kissel</b> asks teachers to go back to the roots of the writing workshop and let the students lead the conference.</p><p>What happens when students not tests determine what they learned through reflection and self-evaluation? In <i>When Writers Drive the Workshop</i> you'll find practical ideas guiding beliefs FAQs and Digital Diversions to help visualize digital possibilities in the classroom.</p><p>Written in an engaging teacher-to-teacher style this book focuses on four key components of writing workshop: </p><ul> <li>Student-led conferring sessions where the teachers are the listeners.</li> <li>The Author's Chair- where students set the agenda and gather feedback.</li> <li>Structured reflection time for students to set goals and expectations for themselves.</li> <li>Mini lessons that allow for detours based on students' needs not teacher or curricula goals.</li> </ul><p>All students have the powerful shared need to be heard; when they choose their writing topics they can see their lives unfold on the page. Teachers are educated by the bold choices of these young voices.</p>