Embedded Files
THE STEPS
THE STEPS
- BRAINSTORM IDEAS FOR TOPICS - Use a notebook or the master provided in the TEMPLATES AND GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS section of the DOWNLOADS page to record ideas to write about. Students may add to this list throughout the year. More than one list may be generated some will be ongoing, others may be theme related. I suggest cutting out each and gluing into the front few pages of their writing book to make the lists easy to find.
- OBSERVE AND TRAIN FOR INDEPENDENCE - Set your expectations for independent writing time high. Clearly outline what the students do and what a teacher does during this time. Teach and expect students to stay in one spot, get started right away, write the whole time, underline spelling errors for later look up as they write, use classroom anchor charts for reference, etc. so their writing time will be uninterrupted. Practice each of these skills before expecting it and follow up with immediate correction when a student struggles with any part of the process. Emphasize that good writers become great writers through practice.
- PROVIDE INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCING FOR STRUGGLING STUDENTS - Choose students who are struggling and provide brief support as necessary. When time permits, record your observations and next step goals for these students.
- DO BRIEF "CHECK-IN" CONFERENCES WITH OTHER STUDENTS - Monitor the progress of each student and schedule a time to have a "check-in" with them. During their "check-in", encourage them to share their best writing, highlight what they are doing well and outline a next step goal to work on, using the goal sheets provided in the GOAL SETTING AND CHECKLISTS section of the DOWNLOADS page.
- OFFER TIME TO SHARE/AUTHOR'S CHAIR: Regularly schedule or allow some time following independent writing sessions, for students to share what they have written. Model how to be an audience and how to give feedback. You may ask students to share only a portion of their work (e.g. a good beginning, some strong action verbs they used, an interesting description, etc.)
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