It's my goal that children not only frequently publish work independently, but they attempt writing on a wide variety of topics. Children who write fiction all the time are not exploring other options. These options are, in fact, modeled in a good Writers Workshop program. Teachers should make a list of possible project ideas for children that they can keep in their writing folders as a resource whenever they are ready to move on. Of course, teachers will have to remind them frequently that they have this resource to refer to. Many children will automatically challenge themselves with a variety of projects, but others will need to be encouraged to explore new ideas. Below is a sample form a teacher might have for the children. It should be given to each of them for their folders and one should be posted on the wall in chart size.
WRITERS WORKSHOP PROJECT LIST
Use this form to keep track of the types of projects you have published in Writers Workshop. Put a Q1, Q2, Q3, or Q4 on the line, depending on what quarter you finish the project.
Before you begin any writing project keep in mind who you’re audience will be. How will this affect your writing?
*Genre Fiction _____ _____ _____ _____
Nonfiction (Research) _____ _____
Poems _____ _____
SHS Times Article _____ _____
*Book Review _____ _____
Movie Review _____ _____
How To Book _____ _____
*Newsletter _____ _____
Autobiographical _____ _____
*Biography _____ _____ _____ _____
Comic _____ _____
*Letter (to anyone) _____ _____
*Interviews _____ _____
Other _____ _____ _____
Teachers should star the items that have been modeled in class so that children know they can refer to their notebooks for these models which they should have copied. It is also good for parents to know that there is a modeling component to this process and when they view the children's outline of project ideas they will be clued into the fact the children are not simply set off on projects they were not prepared to do.
