I Stopped Using All Boxed Writing Curriculum and Here's What Happened

Teaching boxed curriculum has never worked for me. So I took matters into my own hands! :)
Grab the first module of my PD here: structured-wri...
Looking for writing professional development? My 10-module video course will walk you through ALL the steps of an engaging writer's workshop. You'll see pictures of it in action, and I take a deep, deep dive into HOW to teach the 6 high-priority skills. A bonus module goes deep into the world of teaching essays in middle school. More details here: structuredwrit...
Here is what you'll learn in the full training:
✏️Overview: Components of A Structured Writing Workshop
Student Leaders
Choice by Design
Power Lessons
Diamond Mining
✏️MODULE 1 Why All the Structure?
Routines over Process
Focus on Writers not Products
The Importance of 3&7
✏️MODULE 2 Set The Scene
Setting
Lights
Music
Quote
✏️MODULE 3 Handing Over the Keys (Student Leaders)
Student Leadership Jobs
Scripts
Line Length Goals & PRs
The one component to NOT skip
✏️MODULE 4 Teacher Takes the Stage (Power Lessons)
The First Lesson of the Year
The 6 High-Priority Skills
Voice
Hooks
Sentence Complexity
Figurative Language
Vivid Imagery
Show, don't tell
7-minute Dynamic Direct Instruction
Gradual Release Model
✏️MODULE 5 Voice & Choice (Choice By Design)
Benefits of Limited Choice
Pick a Path
Genre Street
Rant & Rave Road
Spinner & Dare Drive
Reluctant Writers
✏️MODULE 6 Diamond Mining
Definition
Trios
Drama of a ‘reveal’
Handling misbehavior
✏️MODULE 7 Essays, Grading, and Grammar
Blocks vs Workshop
Reflect real world expectations
“Deconstruct” an essay.
Warm-Ups- engaging AND standards-based
✏️MODULE 8A The Six Super Skills (Power Lessons)
Hierarchy of Skills
Voice
Hooks
Sentence Complexity
✏️MODULE 8B The Six Super Skills(Power Lessons)
Figurative Language
Vivid Imagery
Show, don't tell
Test Prep Boot Camps
✏️MODULE 9 Implementation
Where to find the Resources You Need
Quick-Start Launch
Get Ready Checklist
✏️MODULE 10 Bonus episode!
Essay deep dive
Claims, evidence, reasoning
RACE strategy
Writing intervention
➡️Purchase the training here: structuredwrit...
I'm Robin, a middle school teacher and the author of ten children's novels with Disney Hyperion and HarperCollins. Our workshop reflects the same process I use when working with my editors. I say "our workshop" because that's the point of the workshop... it isn't just a time for me to give lessons and assign a writing assignment. It's THEIR time to tinker and be fearless and try out new things. They love practicing writing skills with topics that interest them. I use the number 3 and 7 a lot in my workshop... from the writing trios to the lesson minutes... it's all based on brain research.
Do we have time to get in all the standards-based lessons and essays? YES. My essays are taught in a "block" and skills are taught in the workshop. This way, the skills transfer to ALL types of writing, not just product-driven essays.
So this is a STRUCTURED & STUDENT-LED workshop.
Here are the 5 steps:
1. Set the mood for writing
2. Issue the writing challenge
3. Student leaders
4. The Six Skills Power lessons (the teacher's mini-lessons, but timed by the leaders!)
5. Diamond mining (the secret sauce!)
#teacher #ela #howtoteachwriting
✅ MY TEACHERS PAY TEACHERS STORE
www.teacherspa...
✅ WEBSITE
structuredwrit...
✅ TIKTOK
/ structuredwritingteacher
✅ EMAIL
[e-mail]
✅ MY MIDDLE GRADE NOVELS
www.robinmello...