Writing Workshop Reflection

   Our class has really improved during writing workshop this year. We used to feel stressed out and frustrated when it came to writing, but now we feel confident and writing has become one of our favorite activities. Writing is an important skill that we will use for the rest of our lives. Here are what we have found to be the most important parts of creating high quality writing:

       1. Giving specific,  useful feedback to a writer.

   2. Using figurative language (alliteration, hyperbole, similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia, personification, etc.) helps entertain/ keep the reader’s interest. 
 

       3. Using supporting details to show, not tell.

       4 . Using high quality words to impress/entertain the reader

 

       5. Using organized writing…using an indent to start a paragraph, keeping to one main idea in each paragraph, using a topic sentence to start a paragraph…helps reader to comprehend. Using good punctuation such as commas, periods, colons, to help keep sentences smooth and organized.

6. Staying confident, taking risks, trying our best, knowing that we can always go back to improve, etc. 

7. Good writers use brainstorming techniques BEFORE they start writing, for example: A T-Chart, brain dump, list, etc. 
  
8. High quality writing is accomplished by using editing tools/strategies such as: A thesaurus, a dictionary, going back in a story/book to find EXACT details, Soft Buzz, simple strike, carrot, underlining a spelling challenge for later, circle worn out words, taking your time to write, etc. 
    

        9. Paraphrasing helps us to use another person's ideas, but make them our own.

 

       10. Your opening and closing sentences are your FIRST and LAST chances to impress your reader. 

       11. We came up with an analogy for writing: High quality writing is like catching a fish: you must prepare your bait, fishing pole, and boat. Then you take your time reeling in the fish. You bring your catch home to filet and cook. Finally, you end up with a  scrumptious fish dinner that leaves your belly full. Good writing takes time, is not a race, and should leave the reader felling satisfied! 

                   By: All of Ms. Martin's wonderful writers!