The research is clear concerning writing workshops: They are the most effective way to teach the craft and process of writing. This being the case, they should not, contend the authors, be reserved for the upper grades. Rather, all writers—including kindergartners and older emergent writers—should have the opportunity to experience the writer's workshop.

If you are interested in incorporating a writing workshop into your kindergarten or first grade curriculum, this book will serve as an excellent starting point and guide. In addition to answering your questions, it provides nearly sixty mini-lessons as well as a year-long calendar which can serve as your framework.

In their introduction, Dierking and Jones write that "kindergartners—and emergent writers of any age—should be treated like genuine authors and taught in a manner that respects their abilities while empowering their advancements." This is not merely a flowery sentiment. The entire book flows from this belief.

In Section 1, the authors discuss in detail their framework for teaching a workshop. The three parts are: the mini-lesson (5-10 minutes), independent practice with conferencing (20-30 minutes), and sharing (5-10 minutes). Also included is a chapter on "Connecting to Parents." Here the reader will find sample parent letters, information about homework, and a discussion of student journals.   

The "meat" of the book is found in Sections 2-5. Section 2 comprises operational mini-lessons. That is, direct instruction of skills related to the "management of classroom process, materials, and spaces." Section 3 concerns print awareness mini-lessons. Here readers are provided with lessons that address the mechanics of writing: punctuation, capital letters, temporary spelling, and such. In Section 4 the authors include twelve foundational mini-lessons: setting, character development, choosing a topic, etc. Section 5 is devoted to craft mini-lessons. Here the lessons focus on using transition words, active verbs, color words, compare and contrast, word choice, elaboration and so forth.

Appended are a literature list and a bibliography. The literature list contains the titles of children's books and suggestions as to which mini-lesson the book is good for modeling. would be good for modeling. The bibliography is a list of recommended professional literature. The choices are excellent and will provide the reader with a firm foundation concerning the workshop process.   

Highly Recommended.

Reviewed by K.J. Wagner
©2004 Education Oasis  http://www.educationoasis.com