How to Create Awesome Writer's Workshop Folders in 3 Easy Steps

This week in third grade we are launching Writer's Workshop. I absolutely LOVE the Writer's Workshop model, and I am so excited that we have adopted it school-wide this year!

In preparation for our launch I create a folder for each of my students to keep their writing pieces along with other writing tools that they may need throughout each unit of study. 

I am so excited about these folders, and my students love them as well. There is very little prep work involved and they can be assembled in just 3 simple steps.

STEP 1: Get 3-Prong Folders for Each of Your Students

You only need one folder per student, and for durability I recommend using the plastic folders over the paper ones. 

STEP 2: Place 3-4 Plastic Sheet Protectors in the 3-Prongs

I have seen teachers create Writer's Workshop folders by binding multiple folders together. The sheet protectors give you added storage without the extra prep work of figuring out how to combine multiple folders.

STEP 3: Fill the Folders with Writing Tools that Your Students Will Love 

In my folders I have a portable word wall. Students love it, because they have their own mini-dictionary. I love it because it eliminates me having to hear, "How do you spell...?"

In my folders I also have mini posters for each of the six traits that the students can reference as they write and revise their work.

I have also included help tents in my folders that students can set out when they get stuck and are in need of a conference.

Throughout the Writer's Workshop launch I will introduce each of these tools to my students and explain how each one can be effectively utilized.

To learn more about my Writer's Workshop folders check them out in my TPT store by clicking on the image below.

I hope you have found this blog post helpful. To stay connected with Carly and Adam's teaching tips and classroom freebies be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Teachers Pay Teachers, and subscribe to our blog!

We would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave your feedback in the comments. We can't wait to connect with you!

-Carly

Team Building STEM Activities and a FREEBIE!

Arguably the most important thing to do at the beginning of a new school year, other than teaching procedures, is building classroom community. One of my favorite ways to build community is by introducing my students to STEM activities. 

Not only are these activities engaging to students, they also help teach problem solving as students are introduced to the scientific method. 

The following are my top four STEM activities to build teamwork in the classroom. 

#1) Paper Chain STEM Challenge

During the Paper Chain STEM Challenge students are given the task to create the longest paper chain in the given time frame with only the materials provided.

You can check out this STEM challenge for FREE in my TPT store by clicking on the image. 

#2) Marshmallow and Spaghetti STEM Challenge

During the Marshmallow and Spaghetti STEM Challenge students are given the task to create the tallest tower in the given time frame with only the materials provided. To learn more click on the picture. 

#3) Foil Boat STEM Challenge

During the Foil Boat STEM Challenge students are given the task to create a foil boat that will hold the most pennies or marbles without sinking. To learn more click on the picture. 

#4) Marshmallow Tower STEM Challenge

During the Marshmallow Tower STEM Challenge students are given the task to create the tallest tower in the given time frame using only the materials provided. To learn more click on the picture. 

To learn more about using STEM activities to build teamwork in your classroom check out my Team Building STEM challenges resource on TPT by clicking the image below. 

I hope you have found this blog post helpful. To stay connected with Carly and Adam's teaching tips and classroom freebies be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Teachers Pay Teachers, and subscribe to our blog!


We would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave your feedback in the comments. We can't wait to connect with you!

-Carly