Kieu's writer workshop reaction

It’s great that this workshop does not apply to just one genre of writing. Personally, I would like to try the “How To” writing idea. This will allow the students to feel like they are the teachers of a skill they know well.
Ownership is always an important aspect of any work a student produces. I am now an avid supporter of allowing the students to choose their own topic. They can’t possibly write about something of which they have no knowledge or experience. Of course, as long as it is not inappropriate or disrespectful in any way. I truly believe that once we limit the freedom a child has in writing, we cut off their creativity.
My kids at the YMCA are my guinea pigs. I have tried activities that I have learned in math, as well as this class. Last week, I thought I would test out the writer’s workshop to see if: 1) I was capable and; 2) if they would actually enjoy it. To be honest, I did not lead the workshop perfectly, but I tried my best to model it after what we did in class. I had them all listen to their peers share and then clap. I also tried to get them to share their thoughts on the writings they heard from the writers. The results were rather interesting. Of course, there are those who don’t put much effort into their writing and then there are those students who come up with the greatest ideas and writing. What really made me happy was this one girl who came up to me the following week and asked if I would lead the “Creative Writing” class again. She didn’t only ask me once, but two or three more times.
Jaime mentioned in her reflection that her class at Mililani Waena writes in their journals every morning. Well, I am also at the same school, working with the same grade level, so we are doing the same thing. However, unlike her class, mine does not share the writing that they have done. To be honest, I don’t think the teacher even checks their writing, not for grammar, but for content.
My concern, however, is how to reach the group of students who aren’t as willing to pick up their pencils to write. How would I encourage them to express their ideas down on paper?