Readers' and Writers' Workshop ... ("Workshop") ... presents a student-centered approach to student learning. Workshop starts with TIME: time for students to read, write, talk, and think in class, independently or in small-group sessions. The structure also offers teachers time to observe, take notes, and confer with students. Because students often choose what they read and write, they develop OWNERSHIP of their learning. As they begin to use newly taught strategies that make them more skilled readers, writers, and learners, they are able to access more and a greater variety of materials, increasing their confidence and sense of ownership.

RESPONSE is built into workshop instruction. During the mini-lesson, students have the opportunity to question and clarify strategies before they adapt them to their own learning. The teacher-student conferences, small-group work, notebooks, and sharing sessions all offer opportunities for students to explore and respond to content with their teachers and others. By experiencing genuine discourse, considering and building on the ideas of others, finding evidence in what they read, and sharing their work, students develop as a COMMUNITY of learners.