That Workshop Book: New Systems and Structures for Classrooms That Read, Write, and Think

Although this book chronicles the writing workshops of six teachers from first grade to eighth grade, it is of value to any workshop (or would-be workshop) teacher at any level. Author Samantha Bennett uses the same technique for each case study, but the variety is great and the teachers prove just how flexible a workshop approach can be by using it not only for writing, but for reading, discussion, and listening as well.Bennett writes: "Workshop is a structure, a routine, a ritual, and a system that helps teachers answer the question 'How do I know?'" She then explains why "teaching as listening" is more important than the traditional "teaching as talking." Using the "catch and release" metaphor from fishing, she details how good workshop teachers set a purpose in a mini-lesson, release the kids to read and discuss mentor texts while applying the mini-lesson, then "catch" them again by drawing them in for a debriefing. Yes, there are many variations, but all thrive best when the teacher has more than an hour to instruct (in fact, the shortest session among the six subject teachers is 60 minutes and the longest is 90 minutes).Like J.S. Bach's music, THAT WORKSHOP BOOK keeps coming at you in beautiful waves, all similarity and variation at once, all reinforcing as you see how kids blossom under the techniques demonstrated by the teachers. Bennett adds wise commentary and shares the source of each practice as well. It is instruction grounded in research at its best. If you teach workshop or are considering doing so, this will prove a valuable purchase.

This book has been touted by my school district to be the model for our current reader's workshop philosophy. Because of this, I ordered it right away and was excited about receiving it. I have to say, I was a little disappointed by the lack of revolutionary ideas, although I am not sure that is the purpose of the book. I just thought the ideas presented were pretty basic and already considered best practices. The examples of reader's workshops in place were okay, but the situations were so specific that it was kind of difficult to make connections to the various teachers' classrooms. On a positive note, the book is a very easy read, as the language is relatable.

I was excited by one of the local school districts plans to use this system add a guide. This really adds to the classroom experience for the students.

If you want to create a writers workshop in your classroom, get this book!

Nice resource

I wish it had more content to learn from- other than just describing a lesson in a classroom. I found it to be very specific, I wish it had more general knowledge material that then I could apply to any classroom. For me this type of book doesn't work.

Very helpful

I was first introduced to this book at a training. I found it so insightful because it really talks about the workshop model and how it applies to not only literacy but other subject areas also. Really - it is the best way for individuals to learn.The examples in the book were easy to follow and examples of quality teaching and learning experiences. We actually ended up usingthis book for a whole school staff development.