What we do in 5th grade!
Units of Study in Opinion, Information, and Narrative Writing

​We use the Lucy Calkins writing program, which provides students K-8 with a common approach to writing, as well as a common language for us as writers. We typically start with a mini-lesson on a writing skill or craft, then work on our own writing, and take time to share at the end of the period.  

Students spend time learning to conference, collaborate, edit their own writing, provide feedback to other writers, and write multiple drafts.


​Writing Workshop: Structure

1. Mini-lesson: 10 minutes 
2. Status of the class: 5 minutes
3. Writing: 20 minutes

Writing Workshop Vocabulary

  Genre-kinds of writing the author is working on i.e. how to, ABC book, biography, etc... 
 Narrative-to tell a story 
 Informational-to explain something 
 Argument-to convince another about an idea or opinion 
 Voice-author’s point of view, mood and tone coming out through writing 
 Brainstorm-to think of or write down every idea around a topic
  Draft-the first copies of a piece of writing 
 Revise-”fancy up” writing by adding details or something new, changing parts that do not make sense, and to try something new
  Edit-”fix up” writing by rereading to find errors, checking for correct use of capitals and punctuation, and checking for correct spelling of developmentally appropriate words
  Publish-the final copy of a written piece

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EARLY FINISHERS: 
Practice your grammar, vocabulary, and spelling skills on these Mrs. Kuhlthau approved sites!


Games:
Key Hunters!
Idioms: click here
Word Scrambles: click here



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Writing Workshop: Info for Parents!

How to Help Your Child at Home 

• Be a good model of writing.
• Let your child see you write and talk with him about how you use writing in your life. 
• Provide writing materials for your child-paper with lines and no lines, pencils and pens.
• Gifts such as shaped tablets, journals, spirals, colored pencils, markers, and erasers are motivating. 
• Encourage your child to write books. 
• Help your child write letters and e-mails to relatives and friends. 
• Provide a journal or diary for your child to record his or her day. 
• Help your child brainstorm ideas and organize them.
• Stress the importance of the writing process and not just the final product. 
• Do not write for your child. 
• Respond to WHAT your child writes rather than HOW they write it. 
• Praise your child’s writing.
• Ignore minor errors. 
• Help with spelling as needed, but do not expect your child to spell every word correctly.

These writing tips were found at: https://sites.google.com/site/makelawritersworshop/parent-communication

Looking to publish? Here are some sites that publish student work:
​     *http://www.launchpadmag.com/