Welcome! We are in full swing and loving learning during the 2007-2008 school year! I am enjoying being with my class of fourth graders since returning from my Maternity Leave. What's new in the Writer's Workshop? Here's what's happening in Writer's Workshop this year... 2008 - 2009 Ames Writing Schedule September Launching of the Writer’s Workshop Develop the idea of what it means to be a writer. Set the rituals and routines for the writer’s workshop. Building a bank of entries in the writer’s notebook. Thank You Notes to 3M (1-6) and Firefighters (K) Benchmark Writing Sample October - November Personal Narrative (K-2) and Memoir (3-6) Units of Study Study examples of personal narratives or memoirs. Develop a definition of personal narrative or memoir based on read alouds. Study the craft elements of writing narratives and memoirs. Write and publish personal narratives and memoirs. December - January Nonfiction (informative) Writing and Research Unit of Study Study examples of the genre your students are writing. Develop a definition of nonfiction writing based on read alouds. Develop age-appropriate researching skills. Study the craft elements of writing nonfiction. Write and publish nonfiction pieces. Benchmark Writing Sample. February - March Author Study (K - 2) Study examples of writing by a specific author

Our students are working towards high standards thru their written work in Writer's Workshop

depending on the interest of your students. Develop a list of noticings and connections (text to self, text to world, text to text) Apply higher order thinking skills when discussing literature with students. Publish a final project based on the Author’s Study. Test Taking Unit of Study (3 - 6) Descriptive writing Persuasive writing Narrative writing Write open ended response April - May Poetry Unit of Study Study examples of poetry Develop a definition of poetry based on read alouds Write and publish poetry

Come and Read the Great Student Written Work

Friendly Letter Writing (K - 4) and Business Letter Writing (5 - 6) Write May Day letters Write letters to the community Benchmark Writing Sample June Writer’s Choice Notes: SPPS Literacy Framework referenced to ensure grade level standards. Grammar, usage and spelling incorporated into mini lesson. Handwriting and word processing skills are also a part of the writer’s workshop. Cursive begun in latter second grade, introduced again in third and continued thru sixth.