Reading & Writing

English Language Arts/Literacy Standards Shift In Reading & Writing NON-FICTION EVIDENCE ACADEMIC REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES UNDERSTANDING CONCEPTS

So what are we doing differently? We are spending more time reading and teaching students to navigate non-fiction text. Teachers are integrating reading and writing. Students will write while they read and respond in writing to what they read. Teachers district-wide will teach the same type of writing and the same type of reading at the same time. The MCSD implemented a new writing sequence this school year!

. Why did the MCSD create a writing sequence? The writing sequence gives teachers a guideline for using the Florida standards in practical ways. The sequence breaks down and presents the standards to students clearly, as what they need to know, understand, and do. What types of writing will you be teaching? Students will learn how to write narrative, informational/ explanatory and opinion/ argumentative writing in grades K-12.

Three Types Of Writing

What are learning goals and scales, and why are they included in the writing sequence?  Learning goals and scales provides a continuum of learning targets so that students can self-monitor their level of mastery. Learning goals and scales help students keep track of their own learning.  During a lesson or series of lessons, teachers check for understanding by asking students to rate themselves on the scale. This is a high impact strategy that allows teachers to know who needs additional help, additional practice and who would benefit from enrichment.

. LEARNING GOAL & SCALE 1 st GRADE INFORMATIONAL WRITING I can teach others how to write an informative text that INTRODUCES A TOPIC, INCLUDES FACTS, AND A CLOSING SENTENCE. 4 I can write an informative text that INTRODUCES A TOPIC, INCLUDES FACTS, AND A CLOSING SENTENCE. 3 I write an informative text that INTRODUCES A TOPIC, AND A CLOSING SENTENCE 2 With help, I can write an informative text INTRODUCES A TOPIC, AND A CLOSING SENTENCE 1 Learning Goal & Scale Example

What Does The Writing Sequence Calendar Look Like? Narrative Writing- August/ September Informational Writing- October/ November/ December Opinion/ Argumentative Writing- January/ February/ March/ April Narrative Writing- May/ June Why does my child have to learn the same three types of writing year after year? As students grow, so do the standards in each type of writing. The sequence clearly shows teachers how the standards build upon one another through the years. This is valuable because it gives teachers a map of the learning, so they can strategically target individual student needs.

These are lessons that the teachers can use to teach writing. They come from our reading series, our new Ready Writing curriculum, C-PALMS a Florida educator’s exemplar lesson plan bank, research based writing workshop lessons and vetted collaborative lessons. Teachers may select lessons based on the need of their students. What are the writing sequence power lessons?

I want to support my child at home. What can I do? Talk to your child about what they are writing in school. Talk to your child teacher about your child’s strengths and weaknesses as writers and ask them how you can help. While your child reads, give your child to use sticky notes to jot down their thinking. They can write down any questions they may have, or even write a prediction of what may happen next in the text. Reading and writing go hand in hand. Build a climate of words at home. Go places together and see things with your child, then talk about what you observed, heard, smelled, tasted, touched. The foundation of good writing is good talk. Talk to your child about what they are writing in school. Talk to your child teacher about your child’s strengths and weaknesses and ask how you can support writing. While your child reads, give your child sticky notes to jot down their thinking. Build a climate of words at home. Go places with your child, then talk about what you observed, heard, tasted, and touched. The foundation of good writing is good talk. Have your child cut a picture from a magazine and write a story about it. Have your child keep a list of their favorite words, favorite expressions and tricky words How Can I Help My Child At Home?

 Take a photo and encourage your child to explain in writing what was happening.  When thank-you notes are in order, have your child write them.  Let your children see you write often.  Don’t stress so much about handwriting and spelling in student writing. Students will be less likely to write if they are worried about being picked apart. Only final published writing pieces need to have perfect spelling.  Your most effective role is not as a critic, but as a helper. Rejoice in effort, delight in ideas, and resist the temptation to be critical. How Can I Help My Child At Home?

KHAN ACADEMY This online tool provides support for At Home reteach and practice. Skill Deficit: Geometric Measurement; Understand concepts of area and relate area to multiplication and addition. Assign the Video Practice the Skill

READY FLORIDA This tool is used in paper format to provide additional Instruction for specific standards in Mathematics.

MATH SMARTS PD VIDEOS VIA HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOLS Subscribe to the MathSMARTSPD youtube channel Instructional Videos for parents on the Florida Standards x 12 = x 10 + x 2

Think Central and My.HRW.Com

1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) 2. Developing and using models 3. Planning and carrying out investigations 4. Analyzing and interpreting data 5. Using mathematics and computational thinking 6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering) 7. Engaging in argument from evidence 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS SHOWCASING STUDENT MASTERY OF STANDARDS

K-3 Classroom Project 4 th and 5 th Grade Students: Individual or Teams 6 th – 8 th Grade Students: Individual or Teams