1. Writing to Learn in All Content Areas
North Carolina Reading Association Presentation
Tryphina Robinson
March 2015

2. Session Objectives Distinguish Learning to Write & Writing to Learn
Identify content-area strategies
Identify versatile strategies
Participate in strategies

3. Learning to Write vs Writing to Learn
Handwriting
Sentence Structure
Writing Process
Text Types & Their Characteristics
Graded Assessments
Promotes Metacognition
Increases Retention of Information
Ungraded Formative Assessments
Integrated in All Content Areas
Sentence Structure includes things like punctuation, capitalization, spacing, spelling.) Writing process includes pre-writing, drafting, editing, revising, and publishing. Text types include narrative, informative/ expository, and opinion; each type has its own structure, style, and requirements.

4. Mathematics Characterized by Word Problems Step-by-Step Directions
Expository Texts
Strategy Checklist
Self-Evaluation
Double or Triple Journal Entry
Concept Definition Map
Frayer Model
If time permits, participants will complete a concept map or frayer model on prime numbers

5. Science Characterized by Expository Texts Step-by-Step Directions
Text Features
Compare/ Contrast
Cause & Effect
Graphic Organizers
Semantic Feature Analysis
Metaphorical Thinking
Interactive Notebooks

6. Social Studies Characterized by Expository Texts Biographies Timelines
Text Features
Primary & Secondary Documents
List-Group-Label
Reading Response Journal
Graphic Organizers

7. Daily Journals/ Quick Writes/ Learning Logs
Self-Evaluation
“I Can” Statements
Essential Questions
Posing Questions
Making Connections
Cornell Notes
Stop & Jot
Alphabet Boxes
We could also mention Quick Draws & how they could be used to sequence steps, explain cause and effect/ illustrate a key turning point, illustrate key characteristics of a concept, i.e. parallel vs. perpendicular

8. Admit/ Exit Slips Summary Connection Explanation Definitions
Admit Slips- Set Tone
Exit Slips- Provide Closure
Possible Elements
Summary
Connection
Explanation
Definitions
Examples & Nonexamples
We can provide examples of each possible element for different subjects, i.e.
Summary
Connection
Explanation
Definitions
Examples & Nonexamples: Quadrilaterals, States of Matter, Types of Government

9. Probable Passages/ Word Bank Writing
Steps for this Strategy
Post Vocabulary/ Key Terms
Discuss Definitions
Generate Paragraphs
Review Passages after Lesson

10. RAFT Components Role Audience Format Topic Encourages
Multiple perspectives
Creativity
Other examples for format: Bumper Sticker, Wanted Ad, Diary Entry, Postcard/ Letter, Important Thing Frame, Speech, Newspaper Editorial
Take suggestions from audience for each component-?
Have them create a RAFT of their own if time permits-?

11. Foldables 3-D interactive graphic organizers Encourages creativity
Great alternative to worksheets
Increases active engagement
Differing formats for differing purposes

12. Poetry Acrostics Haiku Rap Bio-Poem Cinquain Diamante
Haiku Syllables
Cinquain- Use to capture main Idea of a person or concept; Line 1) Subject/ Topic: Line 2) Two words that describe; Line 3) Three action words; Line 4) 4-5 word descriptive phrase; Line 5) Synonym
Diamante- Used to compare & contrast two people or concepts

13. Closing Activity
Select one content area and a concept you teach in that area
In 5 minutes, create an example of one Writing to Learn strategy that was new to you
Share your example with someone at your table

14. Wrap-Up Benefits of Writing to Learn
Form deeper connections with texts & concepts
Focuses on content, not conventions
Monitors metacognition
Enhances writing skills
Integrates writing across all content areas
Questions or Comments?

15. Resources http://www.grhsgeography.com/strategies.html