WHAT IS THE GREATEST IDEAL I CAN BE TODAY?
I CAN teach one trait of writing at a time… these are my minilessons
-WITH A RUBRIC
-WITH STUDENT MODELS (MENTOR TEXTS) OR WITH PROFESSIONAL MODELS (MENTOR TEXTS)
I CAN assign and grade ONE to THREE paragraphs for that trait only…
-WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO REVISE
-WITH 2-3 HELPFUL COMMENTS FROM PEERS (WRITING CIRCLES)
-WITH 1-2 HELPFUL COMMENTS FROM THEIR TEACHER (ONCE A WEEK “WALK AROUNDS” THAT EVALUATE/ASSESS) "DIALOGUE POST-ITS"
I CAN teach students to effectively organize and explain only one point or argument in only 1-2 paragraphs
I CAN regularly schedule “writing days” (30 MINUTES) when I read and grade while students read or write.
-WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO COME UP TO MY DESK FOR “STUDENT SELECTED CONFERENCES” OR RAISE A CUP OR SIGN ON THEIR WRITING DESKS TO CALL ME OVER FOR A “STUDENT SELECTED CONFERENCE”
Example… I want you to go home and watch the TV/news with an adult or by yourself. Form an opinion from what you see. It could be American Idol for all I care. Just form an opinion… good/bad ugly/pretty awesome/awful talented/no talent at all Write your opinion down and explain why you feel the way you feel. Use two paragraphs to describe your opinion. You are going to need a TOPIC/MAIN IDEA/supporting details.
