Prior to taking this course, I have implemented a writing workshop in my classroom. I have found that establishing consistent routine and time structure has been critical. Muchla points out that when students know they have writing workshop, they will come prepared to write. In addition to knowing the when, it is also important that students know the how and why. Addressing these issues comes again, from an approach to teaching that emphasizes structure and timeliness. To address the how, teachers may find it useful to have their routines and schedules displayed in the room at the onset of the writing workshop. As students begin seeing how the culmination of mini-lessons creates better paragraphs and essays they will also begin to understand the why.
             Once a consistent routine is established in the classroom, maintenance becomes the next critical piece of the Writers Workshop. The student practice phase of the daily workshop is the time when most off-task behaviors show. Working in groups allows students to talk freely; keeping those discussions focused is the maintenance piece most important. Muchla offers some ideas about how to physically arrange your classroom to limit the amount of off task behavior. By creating writing libraries, work stations, editing areas and so on, a student's placement in the classroom should drive their conversation. Some students are more easily distracted than others and I have found that special writing nooks are especially helpful.
             Insight #3 – Student Conferencing
             One way that students can be held accountable for their daily writing is through regular student conferencing. Each week I will have individual conferences with students. During this time I am able to assess progress and understanding of mini-lessons and essay projects, as well as establish goals. After a student has
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