The Workshop Model at WHPS

Fostering Active, Engaged Learning

What is the Workshop Model?

The Workshop Model is our school’s dynamic, student-centered instructional approach designed to make learning active, engaging, and relevant. At WHPS, this model is used across subjects to replace passive listening with participation, ownership, and critical thinking. Unlike traditional teaching—where all students follow the same steps to complete the same assignment—the Workshop Model personalizes learning. Students “learn by doing,” exploring, practicing, and reflecting on new concepts in ways that connect to their individual needs and interests.

In kindergarten and first grade, WHPS students build foundational skills and routines that grow with them. By Upper Elementary, they are adept at this approach, using it to tackle advanced academics, collaborate on projects, and develop critical thinking skills. One of the most significant benefits of the Workshop Model is its focus on teaching for transfer: helping students directly connect the skills they learn in class to future work, both in school and in life, which is rarely emphasized in traditional education.

Key Components of the Workshop Model

The Workshop Model follows a predicable structure that typically includes:

  • Mini-Lesson: A focused introduction to a new concept or skill. Teachers may demonstrate and explicitly name the skill being introduced.

  • Independent Work & Small Groups: Students explore objectives through hands-on activities, while teachers offer differentiated support through small group instruction or one-on-one conferences.

  • Mid-Workshop Teaching Point: Teachers pause to highlight a creative or effective way a student has applied the lesson, often preplanned. This moment inspires peers, reinforces objectives, and showcases diverse approaches, making the lesson more engaging and collaborative.

  • Sharing & Debriefing: The class reflects on their learning, discusses challenges, and celebrates accomplishments, reinforcing connections to future learning and real-world applications.

Why the Workshop Model Works

The Workshop Model thrives at WHPS because of its emphasis on active engagement, personalization, and real-world relevance. Its benefits include:

  • Teaching for Transfer: Students connect classroom skills to practical applications, preparing for future challenges in school and life.

  • Active Engagement: Hands-on activities keep students curious and motivated, fostering deep learning and critical thinking.

  • Personalized Learning: Tailored instruction meets students where they are, providing the right level of challenge and support.

  • Peer Learning: Mid-workshop teaching points celebrate student creativity and inspire peers, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

  • Strong Teacher-Student Connections: Small group and individual interactions allow for meaningful feedback and stronger relationships.

How the Workshop Model Comes to Life at WHPS

Reading and Writing:

  • Mini-Lesson: Introduce a reading strategy or writing technique, such as making inferences or crafting persuasive essays.

  • Workshop: Students work in book clubs or write independently while teachers provide targeted feedback through conferences.

  • Mid-Workshop Teaching Point: A student shares how they applied a reading strategy or writing technique, offering peers fresh insights and sparking inspiration.

  • Sharing: Students present their work, reflect on growth, or discuss challenges.

Math:

  • Mini-Lesson: Teach concepts like fractions or problem-solving strategies.

  • Workshop: Students engage in differentiated tasks aligned with their skill levels.

  • Mid-Workshop Teaching Point: A student demonstrates a creative approach to solving a problem, enriching the learning experience for the whole class.

  • Debrief: Review strategies, highlight successes, and address areas for improvement.

Science & Social Studies:

  • Mini-Lesson: Introduce topics using essential questions to spark curiosity.

  • Workshop: Students dive into experiments, research, or simulations, collaborating or working independently to explore areas of interest.

  • Mid-Workshop Teaching Point: A student shares an innovative method or key insight from their project, inspiring further exploration.

  • Reflection: Students synthesize perspectives and connect learning to broader concepts, like ecosystems or immigration.

What Sets WHPS Apart?

The Workshop Model at WHPS stands out because it aligns seamlessly with our educational philosophy:

  • Empowering Students: We emphasize student voice and choice, encouraging ownership of learning.

  • Real-World Connections: Teachers prioritize teaching for transfer, helping students apply skills to future challenges in school and life.

  • Collaboration and Creativity: The model fosters teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while inspiring creativity and curiosity.

Why the Workshop Model?

Research and experience show that students learn best when they are active participants. Workshops foster curiosity, critical thinking, and independence. At WHPS, this approach transforms learning into a journey that connects the classroom to the world, ensuring our students are prepared to thrive wherever their future takes them.