Today is the last day for submissions to our last “Essential Reads” column of the year. We hope you’ll share your great suggestions here!

Thanks!

Continuing the theme on Writer’s Workshop, I’m mosying over to a side-topic related to this. And that’s the intersection of individualized learning, such as the quiet, individual writing time of WW, and facilities. In my elementary school library, we had little Parson’s coffee tables from IKEA. A few kids could sit on the floor, and they were just the right height for them to write on. Others sprawled out on the floor. Some used stools pulled up to bookshelves with a bit of empty space, which they could use as a writing space. Some liked clipboards and using them in upholstered chairs. Some preferred to work at a standard table. Others focused better writing on the computer. We even had one vintage wooden desk that fit just perfectly into a corner, where you could work all alone, back facing the rest of the library.

As you ponder your suggestions for our “Essential Reads” column on Writer’s Workshop, take a look around at your space. What messages does it send about meeting the individual where he or she is?

(And don’t get me wrong — I’m not perfect. Sometimes, my library said, “Welcome! This is your kind of space! Settle in and get in the flow!” and sometimes the students heard, “Welcome! This is your kind of space! Get really comfortable and forget that it’s school!” Live and learn.)