"Workshop is what I used to call "Small Group Time". In my schedule, it takes place right after our morning large group time where we do calendar, shared reading, and journal sharing. 

During workshop, the children are split into 5 groups, and each group does an different activity. Each day, the groups are rotated so that all 5 activities are completed by all 5 groups by the end of the week.   

The activities vary, but usually relate to our Book Unit for the week.

This is an alphabet game that I use in many different ways during Workshop. The children can simply match the letters or put the letters into alphabetical order, or use them like "flash cards". I made them using Djinkers clip art (which I highly recommend for EVERY teacher).

I like to do a game called "Go To School". Deal 5 cards to each child. Have the children place the cards onto the table in front of them (it’s ok if everyone sees what cards you have). Any matches they have ( go into a special "winning" pile. Put the remainder of the deck into the middle of the table upside down and spread them around. You play like "go fish"...."do you have a D?"...."No, go to school!"

I know it sounds silly to play this with everyone being able to see other players’ cards, but this way we are all helping each other with letter recognition. Play until the cards are gone. I don’t really emphasize a "winner", but instead talk about how impressed I am with their matching skills!