ensure+they+leave+with+the+skills+necessary+to+succeed?

The environment of Reading/Writing Workshops provides ample opportunities for students to be creative and also affords them a certain amount of freedom when choosing stories to read and topics to write on. The students also have a great deal of autonomy with the format of their writing projects and the selection of their reading materials. Within this environment, Atwell prescribes the use of minilessons as a powerful tool for teaching and learning. Minilessons should be thoughtful, authentic, appropriate, and engaging. The format for the lessons depends upon the needs of the teacher and the students. If there are writing issues that students are collectively struggling with, the appropriate minilesson can be taught. If there are procedures to introduce, or concepts to be explored in greater depth, minilessons can address these as well. The importance of a collaborative, creative space in which students can explore and critically engage with reading and writing has been proven – such an environment allows students to actively engage with learning. Minilessons taught within the context of the workshop can provide students with the tools necessary to produce work that meets academic requirements.