The Structure of
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Mini Lesson: 10-15 Minutes
The mini-lesson is where I can make a suggestion to the whole class...raise a concern, explore an issue, model a technique, reinforce a strategy. First my students are engaged in their own important work. Then I ask myself, "What is the one thing I can suggest or demonstrate that might help most?" A mini-lesson generally lasts 5-10 minutes. I try to choose a teaching point that I feel would benefit many members of the class. Examples of Mini-Lessons Independent Writing/Collecting Entries
After the mini lesson, students work in their Writer's Notebook to collect entries that may later become published pieces of writing. The total writing time lasts for about 35-40 minutes, but during that time some students may be involved in conferences with the teacher or with their peers. Students choose entries in their notebooks to take into "draft form." It is these carefully selected pieces of writing that will be taken through the process of editing and revising so that they can be published and shared with others. All entries in the Writer's Notebook do not become published prices of writing. All published writing is added to each student's Writing Portfolio, and some pieces will even be put into student created books
The Art of Teaching Writing, Calkins
After the mini lesson, students work in their Writer's Notebook to collect entries that may later become published pieces of writing. The total writing time lasts for about 30 minutes, but during that time some students may be involved in conferences with the teacher or with their peers. Students choose entries in their notebooks to take into "draft form." It is these carefully selected pieces of writing that will be taken through the process of editing and revising so that they can be published and shared with others. All entries in the Writer's Notebook do not become published prices of writing. All published writing is added to each student's Writing Portfolio, and some pieces will even be put into student created books While students are involved in independent writing, this time is used to confer with my writers.I take notes during conferences to document students' progress and to plan future mini-lessons. . During this time I may:
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