Professional Response #1 – Katie Wood Ray
1. In her chapter, “Understanding the Essential Characteristics of the Writing Workshop,” Katie Wood Ray…
Students who use writing, not just do writing – quote this
Describe a structured and consistent environment
Encourage productive talk
Write with purpose and intention
All of her students will grow and learn in different ways
2. Like Nancie Atwell, who in her “Conditions of a Writing Workshop,” Ray also
Students should have choice
Writing in different genres/topics are good
Dedicating significant and regular time
3. On the other hand, Ray and Atwell sometimes don’t quite agree
Atwell – whisper, Ray – talking
Atwell – 3-5 times a week, 45 minutes; Ray 35-45 minutes
4. As I consider the implications of Ray’s chapter for me, I believe…
I never had this in elementary school, so as I think about student teaching and my midtier…
5. Yet, I wonder…
Student motivation to write with fewer prompts, finding topics
Students who don’t write well will be frsutrated – how to avoid and balance
How do I manage this!?
How do you have a schedule?
6. Finally, as I examine her stance as a writer
She used the word non-fiction-y and I thought that was clever, I wasn’t affronted
Well-organized – intro and subheadings
