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Characteristics of Writing Mini-Lessons
1. Whenever possible, invite students to come together in a meeting area for the daily writing lesson. Gathering on the rug to consider what makes fine writing helps create the tone of the writing community. Rather than simply falling back into the role of passive student, listening to the way-wah-wah (think adult voices in Charlie Brown TV specials) of the teacher, students take a more active role in discovering and analyzing techniques. During the mini-lessons, we're all teachers, all learners.
2. Think of mini-lessons as brief bursts of guided instruction in which ONE strategy is discussed. Mini-lessons typically last from five to ten minutes. By keeping lessons short, we ensure that the time we spend talking never exceeds the amount of time students have to write. When we ask students to return to their seats and apply the technique to their own writing, there is a far greater chance that they will retain the knowledge and make a conscientious effort to use it.
3. Instead of thinking of mini-lessons as a way to check off a curriculum requirement, know that each day you are planting seeds -- seeds that will grow into a lifelong understanding of quality writing. Instead of teaching a technique once (and expecting mastery), you and your students look at the concept in a myriad of ways. For example, one day you might examine imagery in a mentor text. On another day, you and your class will write a collaborative account of a field trip that includes imagery. A third mini-lesson might ask students to examine a student writing sample projected (not one of your own student's) to determine whether or not the author used imagery. On still another day, you will share a story your wrote that lacks imagery. Later in the week, you will share your revisions chalk full of moments that create a picture in the mind of the reader.
4. Later, when conferencing with students, focus on the very technique that was taught during the mini-lesson. It's a great way to check understanding and to reinforce the information discussed.
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