Start Here: A Game-Changing Approach to Writing Instruction in Grades 4–8

In this training, I share a game-changing approach to writing instruction for grades 4–8, one that moves beyond long, product-driven essay units and instead focuses on building confident, motivated writers through consistent routines, explicit skill instruction, and purposeful practice.

For years, writing instruction has prioritized finished products over skill development. Essays stretch on for weeks or months. Students dread writing. Stamina and confidence drop, and the quality of writing suffers.

This video explains why that happens, and what works better.

This video is designed for upper elementary and middle school teachers, but the ideas apply across content areas.

When you're ready to dip your toes in a LITTLE deeper, sign up for access to my free training called "Reimagining Writer's Workshop: A Skills-Based Approach" https://structured-writing-teacher.my...

And if you’d like to see how this approach comes together across a school year, with concrete classroom examples, routines, and structures, I invite you to join my full training:


📝 Looking for a deep dive into writing professional development? My 10-module video course will walk you through ALL the steps of an engaging writer's workshop. You'll see pictures of it in action, and I take a deep, deep dive into HOW to teach the 6 high-priority skills. A bonus module goes deep into the world of teaching essays in middle school. More details here: https://structured-writing-teacher.my...

Here is what you'll learn in the full training:

✏️Overview: Components of A Structured Writing Workshop
Student Leaders
Choice by Design
Power Lessons
Diamond Mining

✏️MODULE 1 Why All the Structure?
Routines over Process
Focus on Writers not Products
The Importance of 3&7

✏️MODULE 2 Set The Scene
Setting
Lights
Music
Quotes

✏️MODULE 3 Handing Over the Keys (Student Leaders)
Student Leadership Jobs
Scripts
Line Length Goals & PRs
The one component to NOT skip

✏️MODULE 4 Teacher Takes the Stage (Power Lessons)
The First Lesson of the Year
The 6 High-Priority Skills
Voice
Hooks
Sentence Complexity
Figurative Language
Vivid Imagery
Show, don't tell
7-minute Dynamic Direct Instruction
Gradual Release Model

✏️MODULE 5 Voice & Choice (Choice By Design)
Benefits of Limited Choice
Pick a Path
Genre Street
Rant & Rave Road
Spinner & Dare Drive
Reluctant Writers

✏️MODULE 6 Diamond Mining
Definition
Trios
Drama of a ‘reveal’
Handling misbehavior

✏️MODULE 7 Essays, Grading, and Grammar
Blocks vs Workshop
Reflect real world expectations
“Deconstruct” an essay
Warm-Ups- engaging AND standards-based

✏️MODULE 8A The Six Super Skills (Power Lessons)
Hierarchy of Skills
Voice
Hooks
Sentence Complexity

✏️MODULE 8B The Six Super Skills(Power Lessons)
Figurative Language
Vivid Imagery
Show, don't tell
Test Prep Boot Camps

✏️MODULE 9 Implementation
Where to find the Resources You Need
Quick-Start Launch
Get Ready Checklist

✏️MODULE 10 Bonus episode!
Essay deep dive
Claims, evidence, reasoning
RACE strategy
Writing intervention

➡️Purchase the training here:
https://structured-writing-teacher.my...


I'm Robin, a middle school teacher and the author of ten children's novels with Disney Hyperion and HarperCollins.

Our workshop reflects the same process I use when working with my editors. I say "our workshop" because that's the point of the workshop... it isn't just a time for me to give lessons and assign a writing assignment. It's THEIR time to tinker and be fearless and try out new things.

They love practicing writing skills with topics that interest them. I use the number 3 and 7 a lot in my workshop... from the writing trios to the lesson minutes... it's all based on brain research.

Do we have time to get in all the standards-based lessons and essays? YES.

My essays are taught in a "block" and skills are taught in the workshop. This way, the skills transfer to ALL types of writing, not just product-driven essays.

So this is a STRUCTURED & STUDENT-LED workshop.

Here are the 5 steps:
1. Set the mood for writing
2. Issue the writing challenge
3. Student leaders
4. The Six Skills Power lessons (the teacher's mini-lessons, but timed by the leaders!)
5. Diamond mining (the secret sauce!)

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✅ EMAIL
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https://structuredwritingteacher.blog...