Implementing the Workshop Model in Reading, Writing, Math, and Science

(Grades 4-8) / Flex Course

PDI Course Number: 11T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC40221


Course Description

Are you wondering what the word workshop has to do with reading, writing, mathematics, and science? After all, a workshop is typically a messy place where people come to imagine, apply, and create. The fact of the matter is that the whole process of teaching and learning can and should become “messy,” as students grapple with rigorous concepts and ideas within the confines of a predictable, motivating, and engaging routine. This online course is designed for teachers in grades 4-8 who want to learn how to better engage their students as they examine and investigate a variety of interesting and engaging concepts and activities on a daily basis using the workshop model. The focus of the course is on helping teachers implement a workshop model for reading, writing, math, and science that includes a mini-lesson, student-directed independent work (while the teacher meets with small groups or conferences), and sharing. Some of the additional highlighted topics include backwards planning and organization, goal setting, project-based learning through the use of STEM activities, and tapping into students’ natural curiosity using makerspaces, all under the auspices of a rigorous, supportive, and engaging classroom. By the end of this course, teachers will feel confident implementing the workshop approach in the classroom for all content areas. This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from University of California San Diego (UCSD) Division of Extended Studies. For detailed information on university credit, click here.

"The content and resources from this course are excellent. I can review material to use in my everyday teaching practice." - Shavern Paul-Fraser

Enrollment Options

Course Only

$112 with the discount

Course with Credit from UCSD

$284 with the discount

This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units or 5 quarter units of graduate-level credit from UCSD.

You have up to one year from the date you are enrolled to complete a flex course.


Click here to view the course syllabus.

Print our customized course approval form to share with your school district.

UCSD Course Number: EDUC40221
Unit One
  • The Workshop Model
  • Goal Setting in the Workshop Model
  • Begin at the End: Backwards Planning and Organization
  • Assignment #1: Write an autobiography
  • Test #1
Unit Two
  • Reading Workshop
  • Guided Reading, Conferring, and Strategy Groups for Reading
  • Independent Reading
  • Assignment #2: Article reflection
  • Test #2
Unit Three
  • Writing Workshop
  • Independent Writing and Sharing
  • Conferring and Strategy Groups for Writing
  • Assignment #3: Share your expertise
  • Test #3
Unit Four
  • Math Workshop
  • Independent Work Time in the Math Workshop
  • Organization within the Math Workshop Format
  • Test #4
Unit Five
  • Science Workshop
  • Project-Based Learning Through the Use of STEM Activities
  • Tapping into Students' Natural Curiosity Using Makerspaces
  • Test #5
Unit Six
  • Classroom Management in the Workshop Model
  • Teacher and Student Responsibilities in the Workshop Model
  • Student Motivation and Engagement
  • Assignment #4: Create a motivating and engaging activity for each of the four workshops (reading, writing, math, and science)
  • Assignment #5: Course Reflection

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