Improving Student Writing

One of the areas we discussed in our February Conferences was writing and the importance of writing well.  As more activities continue to have an online component, from academics and business to socialization and recreation, the importance of being able to effectively communicate ideas through writing continues to increase.  I believe strongly in equipping our students to share their ideas through writing in the most effective way for the chosen audience.  We have discussed how there are differences in how one writes a message to a friend from writing a thank you letter.  We have also discussed Six Trait Writing and the students have used this process to produce the work which I shared at the most recent conference.

This week, I would like to share with you an excellent resource which helps explain the various types of writing, includes graphic organizers which can be helpful in the process and contains information about the six trait writing process.  There are sections dedicated to the student as well as sections for parents.  I believe this can be a worthwhile tool to help students to continue to develop their writing.  The site is:  http://www.greatsource.com/iwrite/

I would be happy to discuss any questions you might have on regarding this information.

Introduction

I am designing this blog with a fifth grade Reading class in mind.  I feel that, by fifth grade, in too many cases, students have begun to fall away from reading for pleasure.  If children are writers, they will also be readers.  If they begin to find themselves immersed in the wonders of sharing their voice in this way, they are likely to spend time seeing what other voices have to say and begin student-initiated learning on their own time.  Having had the opportunity to observe in an excellent 6th Grade Reading class, I have also seen how critical strong reading skills can be in helping bridge the gap for low SES students.

I plan to use books from my own collection, purchases from the Friends of the Library book sale, book donations from family and friends and other acquisitions to provide an in-class library.  I can still remember one of my elementary teachers, Mr. Pracht, having an excellent library with books from varying genres.  He made certain, as will I, to have materials which will challenge readers of any skill level.