1. Welcome to
Writing!

2. 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

3. 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!!!

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. My Contact Information
You can call me here at school:
, x. 1116
Check out my Writing Wiki. You can connect to it through the Team Imagine website, or at jmcginnis.pbworks.com