About Writing Workshop

Writing Workshop is a survey course for ninth graders at Metropolitan Business Academy in New Haven, Connecticut. This course has been designed to introduce students to a variety of writing styles, writing techniques, and technology. There is a strong focus on the communication and collaboration strand of the NHPS 21st Century Competencies. The course also aligns with what students learn in English I and Metropolitan Business Academy's English Standards, which are based on the Common Core State Standards. Students work on grammar through daily warm ups and other activities, and they work on spelling and vocabulary each week. Students write short journal entries and longer processed pieces throughout the year. Students also write narrative, argument, and informational/explanatory pieces. While writing is the focus of this course, reading is not forgotten. Students are required to have an independent reading book with them every day, and most days, students are given fifteen minutes to read silently. Students also work on close reading strategies when reading nonfiction articles and examples of writing.

Writing Workshop Vision Statement:

All students will become more proficient readers, writers, speakers/listeners on their journey to becoming lifelong learners.

Writing Workshop Mission Statement:

All students will improve their reading, writing, speaking/listening skills throughout their freshmen year by completing and revising various writing tasks, completing presentations, and working on their independent reading in this class.

Course Syllabus & Overview

Curriculum Map: Month by Month