Writing Fundamentals and 6+1 Traits of Writing All Students Can Become Successful Independent Writers Presented by Michelle Nichol Elementary

Transcription

1 Writing Fundamentals and 6+1 Traits of Writing All Students Can Become Successful Independent Writers Presented by Michelle Nichol Elementary Supervisor of Instruction August 2016

2 Writing Fundamentals Product Overview A series of Units of Study that can be used individually or to support an existing writer s workshop model. Collection of Mini-Lessons with Mentor Texts Targeted Instruction Literature-based Framework for Instruction Assessment materials that walk teachers through each stage of the writing process.

3 Laying the Groundwork for Success The best way for students to learn well is to spend time writing. Students need to internalize and practice while engaging in authentic writing. Skills are taught within the Writer s Workshop framework 3 Forms of Instruction -Whole Group Mini-Lesson -Small, Guided Writing Groups -One-on-one conferencing

4 Writer s Workshop Mini-Lesson, Independent Work/Feedback, Share Mini-lesson: 5 15 minutes -focused instruction on one instructional goal -content of lesson comes from what we know about our students, what we know about writing and good writers, and national standards Writing Fundamentals: provides mini-lessons

5 Independent Work Time Largest portion of time students spend writing minutes Grades K minutes Grades 2 5 Student chooses topic (teacher may choose genre) Consistency and feedback essential Supports student voice and honors their intentions Authentic and meaningful instruction

6 Feedback Crucial element of independent and small group time Feedback on the application of instruction Fundamental Units provide conference questions to assist in determining student need.

7 Share 5 10 minutes Whole Group (could be pair/share) Community of Writers Articulate our process together Examine work together Reinforce mini-lesson (closure) Celebrate a job well done!

8 Setting the Stage Exposure to Quality Literature/Mentor texts (included) Enticing class libraries (care & display of books) Literature Rich Environment Large meeting area where the whole class can gather for mini-lesson instruction & share writing (on the rug) Writing Center - Tools placed in a prominent, accessible location

9 Setting the Stage (continued) Clarify expectations, chart for reference Make connections to literature (text-to-text, text-to-text, text-to-world) Make learning authentic Conversations about writing and student work Share work with peers Display student work in various stages

10 Tools, Resources, Structures Touchstone texts (exemplar texts) Chart paper Markers Reproducible materials Assessment Materials Overhead Projector Writer s Notebook Writing Partnership (some teachers assign writing partners prior to a unit of study and have them sit together during mini-lessons)

11 Overview Every unit of study guides students through the writing process -Immersion -Generating Ideas -Collecting -Selecting -Drafting -Revising -Editing -Publishing -Evaluation

12 Reading/Writing Connection Strong reading/writing connection Teachers read-aloud Encourage students to make text to self, text to text, and text to world connections Prompt students to discuss, listen and ask questions

13 Assessment Every unit includes a teacher rubric and student self-assessment Teacher rubrics are aligned with the minilesson objectives, skills and strategies to be taught in each unit Student self-assessments measure students attitudes, reflective abilities, and feelings about writing.

14 Check It Out! ndex.aspx Page down and create your own account Username Password Then click on: Writing Fundamentals K-8 Under View Product Samples select a grade level Click: Grade How Writer s Work Navigate the Sidebar Selections

15 6 + 1 Writing Traits Woven throughout the Writing Fundamental Units Provides common language throughout instruction done through Writing Workshop Models qualities and characteristics of good writing Aligns with common core standards Exposes students to variety of genres Grade-level appropriate

16 Trait Definitions Ideas the main message Organization the internal structure of the piece Voice the personal tone and flavor of the author's message Word Choice the vocabulary a writer chooses to convey meaning Sentence Fluency the rhythm and flow of the language Conventions the mechanical correctness Presentation how the writing actually looks on the page

17 What does this look like? Ruth Culham Traits of Writing K-2 Vidoes Ruth Culham 6 Trait Mini Lessons 3-6 Vidoes ZKeXk

18 Steps to Success Focus on one trait at a time, teach one skill at a time and focus on building confidence and motivation Allow students to move through the entire writing process Students should track their progress Students should set writing goals Allow time for students to move through their writings to make them longer, more intricate and infuse critical thinking

19 Our goal Our goal is to help our students think, engage, and collaborate through the writing process and use these skills to become productive and ready for college and career