Enabling Writers Workshop Program Guide

The guide is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for conducting a writers' workshop, which is a critical component of the All Children Reading: A Grand Challenge for Development initiative. The guide begins by emphasizing the urgent need for high-quality books designed for instruction, particularly in low-resource settings. It highlights the importance of decodable and leveled books in supporting early grade reading instruction and notes that these types of books are essential for developing reading skills in children. The guide is organized into four sections, each of which provides detailed information on a specific aspect of the writers' workshop. Section 1 focuses on preparing to write decodable and leveled books, including envisioning a writers' workshop, identifying important participants, and understanding participant readiness. It also provides guidance on setting goals and objectives, workshop segments, timing, and balance, as well as selecting and preparing a venue. Section 2 provides training resources for creating quality books, including information on early grade reading instruction, the importance of quality books, and technical requirements for creating decodable and leveled text. It also covers cross-cutting issues, such as high-interest materials, and provides an overview of Bloom software, which is a tool used to support the creation of quality books. Section 3 focuses on conducting a writers' workshop, including tips and pointers for an effective workshop, the writing process, and workshop tools and templates. It also provides guidance on supporting the writing process, coaching, and feedback for writers. Section 4 provides information on continuing to work with writers after the workshop, ensuring book quality, field testing books, and working with ministries of education for book adoption. The guide concludes with a summary and appendices that provide additional resources, including a lexicon of terms, participant readiness survey, sample leveling guide, and training resources. The guide is designed to be a comprehensive resource for educators, writers, and other stakeholders involved in the creation of high-quality books for early grade reading instruction. It provides a detailed framework for conducting a writers' workshop and offers practical guidance on creating decodable and leveled books that support reading skills in children.