Literacy Retreat 2016

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Redefine Research | Synthesis | Content Review

Conventions | Scaffold Writing | Evidence-Based Classroom

Scaffold Writing Skills

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Click an image to link to the resources for that mode of writing.

Reveal the different purposes for writing.

Different purposes spark different writing topics.

Essential skills are listed on the four genre posters: Narrative, Expository, Persuasive, Argumentative.
Download a list of skills tied to Narrative Writing.
Download a list of skills tied to Expository Writing.
Download a list of skills tied to Persuasive / Argumentative Writing.
The genre posters are also available in digital format at The Literacy Store.
Display these posters within the classroom environment and provide students a P.E.N. foldable to keep track of the skills, too.
Spiral through the three modes using a variety of genres or types of writing (Narrative genres, Expository genres, Persuasive/Argumentative genres).

Break Down Large Units into Small-Dose Writing Experiences

Incorporate Persuasive, Informative, & Narrative Writing in PK-1

Use your reading to kick off a new writing unit. A short picture book provides students a foundation for understanding what a new genre includes.
Kristina’s favorite mentor texts are organized by genre (e.g., expository, letter writing, narrative, persuasive/opinion, and poetry). NOTE: Page 3 of this download includes titles suggested for the developmental stages of writing that primary teachers target (drawing, labeling, listing).

Compare mother lodes to mini-units.

Modes are NOT created equal.

Grades 2-12: Sample mini-unit scaffold

Grades PK-1: Sample mini-unit scaffold

Scaffold instruction with each mini-unit.

Scaffold independence with each mini-unit.

Create kid-friendly writing rubrics with your students. This concept is reinforced in a February 2012 ASCD Education Update newsletter and based on the Informing Writing: The Benefits of Formative Assessment by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Build and update your 6-Traits analytic writing rubric with student input. This customizeable Word document is set up for a 5-point rubric with the Smekens 6-Trait icons in place.

Convert scores to grades using the Rubric Calculator. Identify which writing traits to score, set the point values, and then click a student’s scores based on your rubric. Calculate the totals, add comments, and print the score sheet.

Take note primary teachers of how these Darian, IL kindergarten teachers grew their kid-friendly writing rubric! As they added a level to their rubric, they added another section to the caterpillar’s body. And then, toward the end of the school year, when they knew they would be adding their FINAL LEVEL, they made it the “Butterfly” level. Too cute!