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Writer's Workshop
Writing is taught using a process, linked to a specific vocabulary of describing writing skills. Students will be writing on a daily basis in their ELA notebook, during literacy centers, and on selected writing pieces. Students in Miss Conrad's class will have a writing binder to keep any major writing piece that we are working on during Writer's Workshop.
Marking Period 1
- Writing Process
- Personal Narrative Introduction
Marking Period 2
- Personal Narrative
- Creative Narrative
Marking Period 3
- Persuasive Writing (including letters, ads, and short essays)
Marking Period 4
- Research Writing
- Informational Writing
What is the writing process?
Students move back and forth among the six different steps of the writing process. This is done at their own pace, thus making this process more flexible and individualized. There is a concentration on learning the process, not having a perfect final product of writing. The entire process can take as long as one month to complete one published piece of writing.
The writing process is as follows:
Prewrite Students brainstorm to generate ideas Drafting Students put their ideas on paper in an organized format Revise Students make additions to clarify details Edit Students make corrections to their spelling and/grammar Conference Students revise/edit with the teacher to review writing and to create goals Publish Students publish their writing What are the six traits of good writers?
The 6 + 1 Traits of writing provide the students with a consistent vocabulary to describe the various writing skills. Teachers and students can use these terms when describing the elements of good writing. Trait-based literature is used in mini lessons to describe the use of the six traits and their importance.
The following is a list and definition of each of the seven traits.
Ideas
The heart of the message; the main idea + supporting details
Organization
Internal structure; logical order that makes sense; thread of central meaning.
Voice
The heart, soul, will, feeling, and conviction of the writer.
Word Choice
Use of rich, colorful, precise language that moves and enlightens the reader.
Sentence Fluency
Rhythm and flow of the piece; varied sentence types, lengths, and beginnings.
Conventions
Spelling, grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, paragraphing.
Presentation
(+1)
Appearance of the writing; handwriting, neatness, legibility; amount of effort put into work
How is the writing process connected to the six traits of good writers?
Prewriting: Ideas and Voice
Drafting: Ideas and Organization
Revising: Ideas, Organization, and Voice
Editing: Conventions
Publishing: Presentation
Sharing: Fits within all traits
What modes of writing are taught in 3rd grade?
All 3 modes of writing (informational, persuasive, and expository) will be introduced, practiced, and assessed this school year.
