Authentic writing Instruction

AuthenticwritingInstructionSeward Middle SchoolOctober 24, 2013Jill Johnson, ESU 6@mrsjilljjjohnson@esu6.net

Please sit with your team.NotecardFront: First & Last Namesemail addressBack: One thing you hope to learn todayOne way you celebrate student successes

(Pass to the front when finished)

TODAYS AGENDAPart One: 8:15 9:00 a.m.Step 1: Becoming Aware of Our Writing Practices Step 2: Unifying Instruction According to Grade Levels

Part Two: 9:00 10:00 a.m.Step 3: Using a Common Language of Instruction (six traits)Step 4: Incorporating Writing Across the Curriculum

Part Three: 10:15 -11:30 a.m.Step 5: Recognizing Good Writing QualitiesCurrent Writing Instruction

Teams:specific writing piecesobservationsstrugglessuccessesmissing elementshttp://goo.gl/FUuYXB

First steps; observations; right hand talking to the left hand;What is missing? Put this in red.Observations?Struggles?4Writing: Assigned vs. taughtRead the following article Think about the three most significant points of the articlePair with someone NOT on your teamShare those ideas Return to your table and reflect on the current writing practices noted on our shared Google doc

http://goo.gl/VCQ3C0Brain break?What does good writing look like?Have a two minute conversation with your elbow partner

Create a POWER SENTENCE definition of good writing

Compare your definitions with your table family and create a new definition

Interaction SequenceGoalsThe Six +1 TraitsIdeas: the heart of the messageOrganization: the internal structure of the pieceVoice: the feeling and conviction of the writerWord Choice: the precise language chosen to convey meaningSentence Fluency: the rhythm and flow of the languageConventions: the mechanical correctnessPresentation: how the writing looks on the pageUnderstand the purpose of trait-based language

Apply a trait-based rubric to student writingwhich trait is it? ActivityPurpose of the traitsan answer to the question What makes writing work?consistent writers language that opens the door to revisiona way to:organize and clarify good writing instructionencourage consistent assessmentempower and motivate young writersencourage thinking skills and self-monitoring

NOT meant to replace the INSTRUCTION of writing (Spandel, Creating Writers)Traits vs. writing processThe Six +1 TraitsThe Writing ProcessIdeas: the heart of the messageOrganization: the internal structure of the pieceVoice: the feeling and conviction of the writerWord Choice: he precise language chosen to convey meaningSentence Fluency: the rhythm and flow of the languageConventions: the mechanical correctnessPresentation: how the writing looks on the page

PrewritingDrafting(Sharing writing with others)RevisingEditingPublishing&

Student-Friendly Scoring Guideshttp://goo.gl/bUOcCl

How can I add more writing in my class?Im not a writing teacher, so

Idea #1: Writing Frames

CreateModelPracticeReview

http://goo.gl/di9CppIdea #2: Sentence Stems

CreateModelPracticeReview

I learned. . .The main ideas. . .We agreed. . .

Idea #3: Building R.A.F.T.S.

RoleAudience

FormatTopicStrong Verbreporter, observer, eyewitnessteacher, students, people who lived during a specific eraletter, article, poem, songfamous person, event, placeexplaining, informing, persuadingGet students involved in the planning!

CHALLENGE:

Create at least one R.A.F.T.(S) relative to something you will be teaching in the nexttwo weeks and add it to this Google doc.

Feel free to partner with someone.http://goo.gl/R4GArgBrain break?RubricReviewScoring PracticeEach person should score at least two papers.If you are the first scorer, fold the bottom up after you score.After the second person scores the paper, have a conversation about your scores.

writingpracticewriting practiceThe prompt is provided.

You have ______ minutes.

Read one other persons essay and leave a post it note on their screen with positive feedback:Name it.Describe it.Say why its good.You had strong voice (1). When you described the loneliness you felt in the crowded room (2), I could picture myself there (3).challenge:In the next two weeks, try at least ONE new type of writing in your classroom.

Be ready to share!exit ticketsticky noteWrite one POWER SENTENCE stating what you know to be true about writing instruction.Be sure to use at least one of the terms used to describe the six traits in your statement.Please put your name on your paperThanks for your hard work today! Have a fantastic weekend!