WRITER'S WORKSHOP MINI LESSONS

Establishing a Workshop Routine: Creating a Quiet, Yet Conversational Work Environment

Lesson 6 Part One: How to Handle Noisy Neighbors

Gather students around the carpet.

Say, "I've been noticing something about our writing time lately, and I think that today's book will help us a lot!"

Say, "As I read this book, try to think about what problem we are having during Writer's Workshop time."

Say, "If you think you know what the problem is, keep the idea in  your head until after we finish the book."

Read Too Much Noise by Ann McGovern.

Facilitate discussion about the book - -

• who were the characters 

• what was the problem

• what was the solution

Ask, "Does anyone know why I choose this book to read today?  What problem are we having during writing time?"

Say, "Yes, it sometimes gets too noisy during Writer's Workshop time."

Say, "You know, this book reminds me about Writer's Workshop."

Create a simple T-Chart on the board with the headings - - loud    and   soft

Say, "Let's create a T-Chart of noises that we make during writing time.  We will then decide if it is a soft or loud noise."

When finished, discuss as appropriate...

• why are the loud noises loud

• why are the soft noises soft

• should we make loud noises 

• should we make soft noises

• how can we make loud noises soft

Ask, "What kind of noises should be made during Writer's Workshop?"

Say, "Yes, we should only make soft noises."

Ask, "Why is it important to make soft noises during writing time?"

Allow time for discussion (brief).

Come to the conclusion that it is appropriate to talk during Writer's Workshop, but talking should be kept to a whisper.

Say, "When you are writing today, think about how you can make soft noises."

Dismiss for Writer's Workshop.

Resources:

Too Much Noise by Ann McGovern

Lesson 6 Part Two: How to Handle Noisy Neighbors

Gather students around the carpet.

Say, "I've been noticing something about our writing time lately, and I think that today's book will help us a lot!"

Say, "As I read this book, try to think about what problem we are having during Writer's Workshop time."

Say, "If you think you know what the problem is, keep the idea in  your head until after we finish the book."

Read Noisy Neighbors by Nicola Moon.

Facilitate discussion about the book - -

• who were the characters 

• what was the problem

• what was the solution

Ask, "Does anyone know why I choose this book to read today?  What problem are we having during writing time?"

Say, "Yes, it sometimes gets too noisy during Writer's Workshop time."

Say, "You know, this book reminds me about Writer's Workshop."

Say, "Sometimes I have children come to me and say something about their NOISY NEIGHBORS."

Ask, "Have you ever had a noisy neighbor?"

Ask, "What can we do to solve the problem of a noisy neighbor?"

• remind our neighbor of the expectations/rules

• tell the teacher

• move to a different work spot

• etc.

Ask, "What if I am the noisy neighbor and my neighbor reminds me about the rules, what should I do?"

• listen

• say thanks

• not be noisy

• etc.

Ask, "What kind of neighbor should you be during Writer's Workshop?"

Say, "When you are writing today, think about how you can be a good neighbor."

Dismiss for Writer's Workshop.

Resources:

Noisy Neighbors by Nicola Moon