Structures and Tools that Support Independent Writers

Overview Unit Launch Tools students are provided Mentor Piece Tracker Writing Rubric Editing Check List Today we will share with you the structures and tools that are in place in our classrooms to support your children in planning goals to attain successful outcomes.

I Can Statements Every unit has a list of I Can Statements that show the big ideas and objectives that the students are expected to learn. In Writing, I Can Statements are divided into three categories: Structure Development Conventions

Mentor Text A mentor text is used for students to see a finished product of the writing the students will be working on. In the beginning of each unit, a whole class annotates the mentor text, noticing what techniques the writer uses. It is later used during Mini Lessons where we explain the strategies used to implement these techniques in our own writing.

Student Checklist The Student Checklist are based on the writing rubric. Students use the checklist to identify what they are doing well and what they need to work on.

Goal Setting After reviewing and annotating the mentor text referring back to the tracker, students do this same work with their on demand writing piece. Based on their understanding of mentor text they self assess and create their own goals. Students choose one goal under structure and one or two goals under development that they wish to work on during the start of the unit. Mini Lessons and small groups will be based on these goals.

Rubrics Rubrics are used so students can see what is expected of them throughout the unit. The I Can Statements are based on the rubric for the unit. Narrative Rubric Opinion Rubric Informational Rubric Rubrics are used by the teachers to grade the Pre On Demand and the Published Piece.

Now You Try! Here is an example of a students on demand, based on the student checklist that we have worked on today, what are this student’s next steps?

Longer Recess! Kids at PS 11 should have longer recess because we need more time to play! One reason why kids at PS 11 should have longer recess is because we need more time to play. There are too many times when we do not get enough time to play and we have to cut our games short! Another reason why kids at PS 11 should have longer recess is because we need to get more exercise! Don’t you agree with me?! Finally, we should have longer recess at PS 11 because it will make us happy! I think kids at PS 11 should be happy! In conclusion, kids at PS 11 should have longer recess because we need more time to play, we need more exercise and we will be happier! I think you should agree!

At Home Ask your student what they are working on in writing. Find the mentors around you! While reading any genre, notice craft moves and structures that the author uses. Discuss how you could implement them into writing! Fiction Non-Fiction (Newspaper, magazine articles etc.) Celebrate the work your students are doing!