Welcome to Writing!

Mrs. McGinnis I’ve been teaching Writing at YMS for 6 years I am married and have 3 grown children I am available for help after school most days and at lunch time I am sponsor of the YMS Newspaper Club

Miss Larson I am currently enrolled in the teaching program at Illinois State University. I am eager to get to know each and every one of your students!!!

Units of Study Writing Process Personal Narrative Persuasive Research Word Roots/Vocabulary Short Story Poetry

Mini-Lessons Mini-Lessons are short grammar and writing craft lessons Mini-Lesson topics will be chosen based on the needs of the class at that time Studies show this is the preferred way of teaching grammar and conventions Students may choose their own personal writing, spelling, and grammar goals for any given assignment

Be respectful of the teacher, each other, and property Rules of Our Classroom Be respectful of the teacher, each other, and property Come to class on time and prepared to work Have a good attitude; be willing to try new things

Assignment Expectations Prefer typed final papers, but will accept final papers that are written neatly in ink Students are given class time to write I will conference with as many students as possible each day Parents will be contacted within a few days of a missing major assignment

Advanced Writing The focus for advanced students is quality of writing vs. quantity of writing Advanced students are not necessarily expected to write more, but they are expected to write more in-depth Focus on insight, reflection, support in writing More thoughtful assignments

How Parents Can Help Encourage students to write at home Ask your child if you can read their writing—it can be very creative and entertaining! Recognize that students do lots of writing: texting, Facebook, blogs, instant messaging… Purchase a “jump drive” memory device that students can use to move assignments between home and school Encourage students to read—good readers are generally good writers

My Contact Information You can call me here at school: 630-553-4544, x. 1116 E-mail: jmcginnis@yorkville.k12.il.us Check out my Writing Wiki. You can connect to it through the Team Imagine website, or at jmcginnis.pbworks.com