Writing Workshop as Carnival: Reflections on an Alternative Learning Environment

Abstract

In this article, Timothy Lensmire reflects on his teaching and research in a third-grade classroom in order to raise new questions about the theory and practice of writing workshop approaches. Using Bakhtin's notion of carnival, Lensmire highlights both the captivating strengths and perhaps less apparent weaknesses of such literacy practices in schools. As writing workshop approaches become increasingly popular, his work opens an important dialogue between theory and practice.