I love writing workshop. I think Lucy Calkins is amazing. I see such a difference in the writing of my students since I have been using the workshop approach. But, there are parts of the workshop model that haven’t always worked for me. My main problem was that with so much amazing flexibility, what do you do with the kids who are not at all motivated? I am kind of in love with sticker motivation charts and I use them all over my classroom. Last year I came up with a plan that has worked wonders for me!Each day I give my students a writing goal. This is almost always based on the mini lesson of the day (i.e. try show not tell, try using a simile, etc.). I write the goal on a laminated poster.
Then in between conferring (usually 2 or 3 conferences a day) I peek around with my clipboard and do “quick checks” with each student to see if they are trying the writing goal. If they are trying, they earn a sticker. Once they have completed their sticker chart, they get a prize (I do a week off of homework).
This works wonders in two ways. First, it motivates the reluctant kids to move out of their comfort zone and try new writing strategies. It also allows for the flexibility that the Writing Workshop emphasizes so much. Secondly, I have a great record on my clipboard (and on the sticker chart) of who usually puts forth the effort to try the daily skills. I love this system! If you have any questions, I am happy to answer.
