The Workshop Model: Tips and Strategies for Your Classroom

Today, I’m here to share a few tips and strategies for using the Workshop Model in your classroom, across the curriculum.

For many teachers, I think it’s safe to say that their writing instruction follows this format (maybe you don’t even know it!). It’s a great teaching structure, and once you’ve used workshop for one subject, you’ll want to use it for everything – and it works!

What is the Workshop Model?

The Workshop Model was originally developed by Carmen Farina and Lucy Calkins as a way to teach writing but is now used for every subject in many districts. I love this article that has a little information about workshop.

Workshop is a teaching structure that pushes students to be creative and responsible in their own learning.

The Workshop Model asks students to take charge of their own learning, becoming active and engaged in their work and development of understanding.

Using workshop allows teachers to be actively engaged with students individually or with small groups, facilitating and assisting in that understanding, while also providing individualized support. Students who are engaged in the workshop model are actively learning the material and concepts they need to master throughout the year.

Components of the Workshop Model

Do you use the workshop model in your classroom? We know centers are a great option, but the workshop model provides a different setup, more independent work time for students, more differentiation, and the Gradual Release of Responsibility! Click through to read our guest blogger’s insights on the workshop model.

What Do These Components Look Like?

In my second-grade classroom, we use the workshop model for everything! And, yes, my students work for 60 minutes independently – no joke! (It took us a while to get here!) We’ll talk about this in a little bit, though.

The Gradual Release of Responsibility in the Workshop Model

Now, you wouldn’t just start and throw your kids into 60 minutes of work time – any excellent teacher knows that (I know you are all fabulous!).

You would gradually release responsibility to your students based on their needs and abilities.

This means more time and guidance with you for your lower babies and more independent work time/less time with you with your above average ones. I love this graphic by Amanda Nickerson that shows what this gradual release might look like.

So, Why Workshop?

I know what you are thinking. “But my rotations work for me. We have it figured out, my kids know the routine, and it works” – and that is, of course, wonderful if it works for you! But let me just get you thinking for a minute.

Time Efficiency

Let’s say you use the rotation approach for both Reading and Math. Your students rotate to five different stations during both Reading and Math, and it takes them two minutes to transition. 2 minutes x 5 times = 10 minutes x 2 subjects = 20 minutes. In the small scheme of things, that 20 minutes may not seem like a lot, but imagine what you can do with that 20 minutes. For me that would be two quality reading conferences in reading and a small group lesson with my high kids in math. Also imagine how much time that adds up to in one whole school year…3,600 minutes! That’s a lot of time you are missing out on.

The Workshop Model Has Lots of Other Benefits Too!

Here are some other reasons why this structure is beneficial.

When I say “less planning,” I don’t mean I spend less time getting ready for the content that I am teaching. This mostly pertains to the preparation part of planning. I don’t spend time cutting, laminating, and organizing stations each week. I do use a lot of task cards, but I print them as packets rather than put them on a ring, because I will usually have different ones based on where my students are at in their mastery of the concept. This also makes less materials for me to organize!

One of the greatest benefits, in my opinion, is the amount of time that students spend engaged in the curriculum.

Instead of spending just 10 minutes on one small part, they can really dig deep and start working on some problem-solving and real work tasks, which not only builds their thinking skills but also gets them to really understand the concepts they are learning.

Getting Started with the Workshop Model

I know we are halfway through the year, and now might not be the best time to switch your routines. I’m sure your students know them like the back of their hand! I do hope that I got you thinking about the ways you can change your classroom by using the Workshop Model.

Initial Steps

I would encourage you to start with one or two subjects and really give it a try – Reading and Writing are usually the first thing that most teachers switch over – but you could start anywhere!

Once you’ve tried this teaching model, you will wonder why you ever taught any other way! And, of course, this is just a small bit of information about workshop. There is so much more out there to learn.

Our Guest Expert

Teaching 2nd grade for two years has been an incredible journey, allowing me to create authentic learning experiences for my students. An avid music lover, I sang in my school chorus and played flute in our symphonic band and baritone saxophone in our jazz ensemble. Music is essential to my life, and I strive to incorporate that passion into my classroom. Additionally, I enjoy getting outside to hike with my dog or catching the latest movie at the theater.Check out my blog over at Primary Teacherhood and my TPT store, where I share a store with my fiancee (a 5th grade teacher), over at TeachNC for more ideas.