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Writing Writing Workshop In Writing Workshop students are encouraged to write what inspires them.  An important aspect of the writing process is that students choose their own topics most of the time, and they are encouraged to write about what is meaningful for them.  At times the whole class studies a genre (personal narrative, poetry, memoir, nonfiction), and the children learn how to write in that genre.  Students are encouraged to think of themselves as writers and to write for an audience.    Writing workshop begins with 10 to 15 minute mini-lesson.  During this time, prior knowledge is activated. Next, instructional input is given, then students have a chance to engage in the topic or skill. Finally it is wrapped up with a link to connect the topic to their own writing.  This mini-lesson is explicit instruction designed to move students forward in their writing.  Mini-lessons teach students to utilize the process that writers use.   After the mini-lesson students spend time independently writing in a notebook or on paper that will be added to a folder. At this point, students are encouraged to use invented or temporary spelling.  This means that students write the sounds that they hear.  This enables students to be creative in their writing.  Students are encouraged to quietly discuss their work with one another.  During writing time, the teacher conferences with individual or small groups of students.  It is here that instruction is differentiated to meet the needs of students.  The students will have opportunities to revise, edit and publish their work.  At the end of independent writing time, there is a time to share.  During this time students share all or a part of their writing.   Handwriting We utilize the Printing Power Student Workbook from the Handwriting Without Tears program to teach students advanced printing. Spelling The Sitton Spelling and Word Skills program is our spelling program.   This program emphasizes the learning of important words, not for a Friday Test, but for a lifetime of spelling in the real world.  A second grader's spelling experiences will include: short vowel spelling patterns long vowel spelling patterns consonant spelling patterns spelling digraphs spelling double-letter words irregular spellings silent letters r-controlled vowels predicting spellings in guided writing spelling consonant blends consonant and vowel letter substitutions introduction of possessive pronouns spelling by analogy