Writer’s Workshop
A small group program for learners to explore new writing strategies, apply the writing process, and share their work with their peers.
A program for your child to develop their skill and a sense of pride in their writing.
Does this sound familiar?
Your child struggles to get their ideas on paper, and you want to provide them with more opportunities to take some risks so that they can get the feedback that will help them grow.
Writing is your child’s favorite subject in school, and you want to give them more opportunities to invest in their strengths and develop their craft.
Your child often feels stuck when it comes to writing, and you want to give them an environment that could provide them that spark of creativity and inspiration.
Putting thoughts into words for others to read is a vulnerable endeavor… especially for young writers.
For writers to learn how to improve their grammar, writing structure, and word choice, they first and foremost need…
👉🏼 An environment where they feel safe to make mistakes, get feedback, and try again.
👉🏼 A community where they can learn from others and be inspired to experiment with new strategies.
👉🏼 A platform to share their work and take pride in what they’ve created.
Here’s how we provide that at Sit Beside…
Writer’s Workshop is a learning experience that provides an environment for writers to create and find their voice.
In Writer’s Workshop, we move through the writing process together as we plan, draft, revise, and edit our ideas. Writers receive feedback, guidance, and encouragement throughout each step to build their confidence.
We call the final step Author's Chair, when students “publish” by reading their work aloud. Author’s Chair is a celebration where writers to receive encouragement and positive feedback from peers!
The small group context creates an intimate and supportive environment for learners to take what can sometimes be a really big step out of their comfort zone to showcase their voice.
Writer’s Workshop focuses on…
Modeled Writing
Writers will observe mentor sentences and discuss the sentence structure and word choice.
Grammar Skills
Sessions include a grammar mini-lesson where writers will practice constructing and deconstructing sentences.
A Personalized Writing Process
Writers will practice each phase of the writing process with prompts, supports, and extensions based on their individual needs, goals, and interests.
Celebrating Voices
At the end of each session, writers have the opportunity to share their writing with the group by sitting in the Author’s Chair and reading it aloud, so we can learn from them and celebrate their work.
“Seeing my daughter’s confidence grow in writing has been such a relief and makes me so happy.”
“Our daughter struggled with writing stamina and reading, and she needed support getting caught up to speed. We wanted to help her close that learning gap. After working with Ms. Hannah last summer, she started to really enjoy her writing and was truly PROUD of what she had done. Throughout her 4th grade year, I've seen her have more success in writing, and her current teacher hasn't expressed any frustration or concerns about her writing stamina. The guidance and support from Ms. Hannah truly helped close the learning gap in writing stamina for my daughter. Seeing her confidence grow in writing has been such a relief and makes me so happy. There's always room to improve, but not having that be such a drag for her every day is so great.
- Maren Gibbs, Parent
Writer’s Workshop includes…
Weekly Meetings
Each meeting will provide opportunities for learners to experience different phases of the writing process.
Weekly Updates
Get weekly updates from Ms. Hannah about what your child worked on that week and suggestions for how they can use the strategies we’re practicing at home to support their journey as a writer.
Spring 2024 Schedule
Writer’s Workshop
in Walsh
Dates: June 3rd - August 5th
Schedule: Mondays 11:30-12:30
Ages: 3rd-5th Graders
Location: Walsh
Address: 13756 Assembly Park Dr, Aledo, TX 76008
Writer’s Workshop
in Fort Worth
Dates: June 5th - August 14th
Schedule: Wednesdays @ 9-10:00
Ages: 3rd-5th Graders
Location: R+R @ Homestead
Address: 5001 Byers Ave Fort Worth, TX 76107
“I knew my daughter was getting everything she needed academically to challenge her and encourage her creativity and curiosity.”
I was concerned whether my daughter’s struggles with social-emotional growth would hinder her academic growth and achievement. Ms. Hannah provided much-needed support to help me in identifying my child’s biggest challenges and help her navigate those challenges toward opportunities for success. I knew my daughter was getting everything she needed academically to challenge her and encourage her creativity and curiosity - but equally important - I knew she had someone in her corner, someone who wanted her to shine and be the best version of herself. Ms. Hannah has this perfect balance of fairness, firmness, and joyfulness. She changed our lives for the better - the impact goes way beyond one year - it will be lifelong.
- Autumn Radle, Parent
Hi, I’m Jennifer!
Learning Support Specialist and Owner of Sit Beside
I believe that play, exploration, and art are some of the most important components of learning. In Writer’s Workshop, we embrace all of these elements, so writers learn to create with their ideas and find their voice throughout each step of the writing process.
And because part of the writing process is publishing our words so that others can learn from our ideas, each week writers have an opportunity to share their work with the group in the “Author’s Chair.” Even the most reluctant writers grow to enjoy this moment because at Sit-Beside we nurture a culture where learners feel supported and celebrated.
Whether your child is passionate about their craft or still building their confidence and skill, Writer’s Workshop is the perfect place for their writing and confidence to bloom and grow.
“Our son was able to enter the next grade confident and ready to succeed!”
We were worried about how far behind our son would be compared to his peers in both writing and math. Ms. Hannah was able to get our son up to speed within 3 months and without additional tutoring. She was really in tune with not only his educational needs but also his social and emotional well-being. Thanks to Ms. Hannah, he was able to enter the next grade confident and ready to succeed. Ms. Hannah made learning “fun” for both of my children. If they didn’t understand a concept - she always had a different way to approach their learning style.
- The Sparks, Parents
Frequently Asked Questions about Writer’s Workshop
-
Writer’s Workshop is designed for 3rd-5th grade learners.
-
Writer’s Workshop at Sit Beside focuses on engaging writers first and foremost and guiding their intrinsic motivation to write from a perspective or angle that is personal and interesting to them as it fits with the overall theme of the day. By focusing on topics that excite them, writers are then guided as they learn how to find their voice and express themselves through words and phrases.
-
Writer’s Workshop is a beneficial experience for every learner who is a willing participant. However, in this program, your child will be expected to write independently, regardless of the level of writing they are currently at. If you’re unsure if this program will be a good fit for your child, please contact Ms. Hannah.
-
This program is designed to serve all unique learning profiles including learners with dyscalculia, dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, Auditory Processing Disorder, etc. It’s also led by Jennifer Hannah, owner and learning support specialist at Sit Beside, who has extensive experience through both her graduate work and teaching background in working with children who have learning differences.
Every session is provided in a small group setting and includes flexible pacing combined with a structured routine. Your child will get the accommodations they need so that they are able to make progress and have fun at the same time. We want all learners to feel supported and set up for success! If you have any questions, contact Jennifer to find out if this program would be a good fit for your child.
-
When you sign up for this program, you are committing to attend the full duration. However, if you feel that this program is not a good fit, please reach out to Ms. Hannah.
Want more information about Writer’s Workshop at Sit Beside?
Schedule a free consultation call to get more information and find out if this program would be a good fit for your child.
Let your child discover their passion for writing in an environment that inspires their creativity and voice!
Register your child for Writer’s Workshop today!