Hi, I'm new...and I need help with Writing! :)

[tnteacher]

Hi, my name is Heather and I'm a new 5th grade teacher in TN. 5th grade is, in our state, tested in Writing and I am afraid I will be a terrible writing teacher. In college, writing was one thing we did not discuss (as far as I can remember). We focused on the more general subject and teaching strategies for those. I really have no idea where to start when it comes to teaching writing and need help with some ideas. I want to do a great job, so I thought I'd check with those of you who have the experience I lack. :D
Thanks so much!

[Ms.Champion]

Well, I don't have much experience, seeing that I will be a new teacher in the fall, but thought I would provide my advice anyhoo...lol :) I student taught in a 3rd grade classroom and the school I was at used a program called "Write from the Beginning." It was a very helpful program for me. Really, I feel that in writing students need to learn how to brain storm their ideas. That will truly help them to know what they want to write about and where to go. JMO Hope that helps! :)

[Bea]

Hi! Welcome to teaching! I don't mean to sound too simplistic, but there are an absolute ton of writing prompts, ideas, worksheets, almost anything on the web.

I'll try to find some things to send electronically to share with you.

Bea

[Bea]

tnteacher and MsChampion,

Hi again. You might want to join the Writing Teacher's Forum on yahoo. You can use (or create) your yahoo account to sign up for Real Writing Teachers Listserve.

Just search for groups (Realwritingteachers)....

I've heard it's pretty good. Just go there to read and gather ideas or to ask questions when you need help from other teachers.

Take care,
Bea

[coco]

I teach 4th grade in SC and the students are also tested yearly on writing. First, find out if you school uses a writing program or format. If not, get a book on 6 trait writing. Scholastic has a book, I don't have the title in front of me but I can email it to you later, about using picture books and read aloud to teach 6 trait writing. These are great resources. Then, just like you have independent reading time, you should have independent writing time. Have the students keep daily journals (this is good morning work). Next, do mini lessons on writing during your ELA time. I don't know how this time is set up, but here is what I do. This is a 2 week plan. Decide on the type of writing you want students to do and the trait. I teach a trait a month Example: write a friendly narrative, trait- organization. On day one read a story about someone writing letters or a book with great organization (use the scholastic book to find these books). Talk about the how its organized or the format of the letter (parts). Day 2 Use the writing process to model writing a letter point out correct parts. Day 3 students write a letter using yesterdays letter as a model. Day 4 Mini lesson on organization (grouping same topics together or parts of a letter) that you noticed students had problems with Day 5 You have several options- students can work together on writing, take a quiz on parts of letter, play games (cut up an essay and have students put it together organized correctly), another mini lesson on something
Then, the following weeks letter is for a grade. On Day 6 review Day 7 students use writing process to write a letter to someone Day 8 you conference with 3-4 at a time Day 9 they write a final Day 10 you collect for a grade and mail if you want. Then on the next Monday you start over with a different type of writing, but use the same trait of organization. I hope that helps. If you would like the specific name of either of those 2 books and an accompanying website just let me know.

[honeybuns]

Yes, the 6 traits of writing is a very effective method "tool" to use and works well with special needs students too.

Best wishes,

Honeybuns:)

[peridotlayne]

If not, get a book on 6 trait writing. Scholastic has a book, I don't have the title in front of me but I can email it to you later, about using picture books and read aloud to teach 6 trait writing. These are great resources. If you would like the specific name of either of those 2 books and an accompanying website just let me know.

Hi coco!

I'm a first year teacher that's going into 4th grade. My students will be tested on Writing, Reading, and Math. I'm very worried about the writing aspect.. we never focused on that in school and my internship was in 2nd grade so reading was more of a focus. Could you tell me the specific name of those 2 books and the websites? It would be greatly appreciated! :o

[nancyosu]

In Texas 4th grade is the big writing year. We use the 6 traits of writing here as well. When I was in Oklahoma, 5th grade was the year for the writing test. I used a lot of writing prompt books and went to my local teacher store and looked at the writing books they had. That is where I got a lot of my material. My school district also sent me to some writing workshops that helped. Use your fellow teachers for information and materials. Don't be afraid to ask questions:)

[orlandoteacher]

My school uses both Write From the Beginning and Six Traits. I would definately find out what program your school has bought into. Then give them plenty of chances to write freely. Journals and penpals are great for this! Good luck!

[Rassi]

Hi,

I'm a 5th grade writing teacher as well and found a wonderful book that I used last year. It's called Better Answers, Written Performance That Looks Good and Sounds Smart by Ardith Davis Cole. I love this book because it is a step by step guide to teaching kids how to write interesting, complete answers.

[joanna123]

Welcome to the fabulous world of writing! I probably can speak for multitudes of teachers out there, experienced and novice---we are all trying to improve writing scores while creating students who actually like to write! Please consult Ruth Culham's books (one is lower elementary and the other is grades 3 and up) called, 6 + 1 Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide (Grades 3 and Up)

Go to workshops whenever you can. Until then, READ....read....read as much as you can to understand the various techniques for teaching writing. Then, don't be afraid! Just get your feet wet! Here is a great article by Ruth Culham. She is really a guru for Six Traits.

www.ascd.org/authors/ed_lead/el200610_culham.html


Also, check out Four Square Writing. This is a very cool technique based on a graphic organizer. It naturally guides kids into organizing their writing. At the earliest levels it even uses picutures and gradually switches to words. This program goes K-8 and maybe even higher. :D You can learn more about it at teachinglearning.com/foursquare.

Have fun!

[cat27]

I saw a Creative Writing Project which looks like it should be good. Professional writers will worl with schools and 1 or 2 students to produce a ten minute monologue for stage. The collection will be published online and in a book and there are plans to have some performed in the schools of the collaborative writers. Its for UK schools but you may find some inspiration from it and I know the site wants to become internationally relevant - have a look at www.keystages.net - it doesn't officially launch until September 2007 but it looking good already.

[alleazer]

As a 5th grade teacher, I hate teaching writing (actuallu grading it)! But I do have the students keep a personal journal that is not graded but is looked at weekly. We also have a writing assignment every week. I start out with poetry because it is the easiest to teach and to write. we read several different poetry writers and then go through the writing process (brainstorm, draft, edit, publish). This year I am going to be more diligent about performing in front of the class. They need that practice. Also, I heard a speaker by the name of Eric Cork...he seemed to know what he was talking about. I had to remember to relax and allow them to be creative at times. Good Luck!

[kingrichie]

Our district has adopted Write From The Beginning and Thinking Maps. These programs have really helped our students develop a strong foundation and structure for writing in different genres.

[mopar]

Try using three minute writes. You give the students points for how many words that they can write in three minutes. They need to use complete sentences and write grammatically correct. It helps students to see where they need to improve and helps you to see what you need to teach the students.

[teacher40s]

Hi,

I hope you are enjoying your holiday. I have always worked "out of the box" when it comes to teaching kids how to write. One strategy is to ask a child a question about something that interests them. Than tape record the answer to that question. After the recording, listen to the answer together and decide how to write your first sentence. Build your paragraph on the response that you get.
Another idea is to give the child a magazine. Have them cut out a topic or main idea. It could be anything that interest them. Use collage brainstorming by having them locate pictures to build on the topic. If kids are artistic they can illustrate the ideas.
The idea is to help build the oral language expression than incorporate written expression. The writer needs to have experience regarding the topic they are writing about. If they have no experience, use the internet to research with the child.
Be creative and have fun.

Bruce

[leafy seadragon]

Writing needs to be practised and writing at speed often relies on handwriting skills, so check their handwriting speed. As kids grow older, they have trouble getting information down quickly enough and can have trouble in test situations if they are not fluent writers, as well as legible. "Timed Writing" helps, give them a story starter and let them go until the timer goes off. Often I had to have intervention programs for students who were not fluent in their handwriting once they hit high school but like anything early intervention is the key.

I had a 4/5 composite class with writing as a problem and I took them back to the beginning - sentence structure ( sentence a day), then paragraphs before explicit teaching of text types. I think the ability to write a paragraph is essential. We also did timed writing with various stimulus materials to prepare for the test.

When doing timed writing - try writing yourself as well and share your writing as part of the groups. The kids really like it when you do things together.

[Harriett]

First of all, how are your students tested in writing? Do they develop a portfolio of their writing or is it On Demand writing? Portfolio writing allows conferencing with the students. On Demand needs to be taught so the kids know what is expected of them. :D

[chele]

I teach 4th grade in SC and the students are also tested yearly on writing. First, find out if you school uses a writing program or format. If not, get a book on 6 trait writing. Scholastic has a book, I don't have the title in front of me but I can email it to you later, about using picture books and read aloud to teach 6 trait writing. These are great resources. Then, just like you have independent reading time, you should have independent writing time. Have the students keep daily journals (this is good morning work). Next, do mini lessons on writing during your ELA time. I don't know how this time is set up, but here is what I do. This is a 2 week plan. Decide on the type of writing you want students to do and the trait. I teach a trait a month Example: write a friendly narrative, trait- organization. On day one read a story about someone writing letters or a book with great organization (use the scholastic book to find these books). Talk about the how its organized or the format of the letter (parts). Day 2 Use the writing process to model writing a letter point out correct parts. Day 3 students write a letter using yesterdays letter as a model. Day 4 Mini lesson on organization (grouping same topics together or parts of a letter) that you noticed students had problems with Day 5 You have several options- students can work together on writing, take a quiz on parts of letter, play games (cut up an essay and have students put it together organized correctly), another mini lesson on something
Then, the following weeks letter is for a grade. On Day 6 review Day 7 students use writing process to write a letter to someone Day 8 you conference with 3-4 at a time Day 9 they write a final Day 10 you collect for a grade and mail if you want. Then on the next Monday you start over with a different type of writing, but use the same trait of organization. I hope that helps. If you would like the specific name of either of those 2 books and an accompanying website just let me know.

Coco or anyone who teaches writing:
How do you conference with 3 to 4 students at once? I used to conference with each individual student about their writings and it was so time consuming. I would appreciate any suggestions on conferencing with students in helping them become better writers? How can I incorporate their journal entries with their writings?

[Mossflower]

Rassi, thanks for the suggestion for 5th grade. My district has a horrible writing program.

When I taught 1st and 2nd grade, a really helpful book was "...And with a light Touch." I followed its principles for several years, then was thrilled when I went to a First Grade convention and the writing expert said it was the only book she could recommend!

[lvnlife287]

Well, I don't have much experience, seeing that I will be a new teacher in the fall, but thought I would provide my advice anyhoo...lol :) I student taught in a 3rd grade classroom and the school I was at used a program called "Write from the Beginning." It was a very helpful program for me. Really, I feel that in writing students need to learn how to brain storm their ideas. That will truly help them to know what they want to write about and where to go. JMO Hope that helps! :)

Hi,

Do you have any info on where to read about this program?

Thanks!