Exemplars: Developing Writers, K-4

Writing is Elementary: Teaching Young Children to Write

Writing is Elementary: Teaching Young Children to Write is the first module of the series. It serves as an introduction and a guide for each subsequent module. It focuses on the four basic qualities of writing:

Purpose
Organization
Voice
Detail

After explaining these fundamental building blocks, classroom-tested lessons are provided to teach each specific quality. These lessons can be easily differentiated for various developmental levels. Whole-class instruction, guided work and finally individual responses are included. Back to top

"Students are amazed at how they can lift their levels of achievement by following the rubric and knowing what is necessary for all levels."

A Title I Teacher

Bookmarks: Responding to Text is the second module in the series. Building on the skills learned in module one, this publication concentrates on teaching students how to write analytically about texts.

Material includes:

Classroom-tested lessons
Scaffolding of instruction: whole-class modeling, guided practice and independent writing.
Scoring rubrics
Annotated benchmark papers
A bibliography of recommended books

Bookmarks: Narratives is the third module in the series. It is a step-by-step guide that focuses on creating characters, setting and plot. Through direct instruction and guided writing it teaches students the qualities of a narrative in three developmental levels.

Level One Qualities of Writing

Character
What the character wants
Problem
Idea to solve the problem
Resolution/Conclusion

Children are natural storytellers. Storytelling is an important literacy activity that increases a child's ability to communicate. Narratives strengthens students' imaginations and teaches them the art of communication.


Writing is Elementary: Teaching Young Children to Write Bookmarks: Responding to Text Bookmarks: Narratives	Writing is Elementary: Teaching Young Children to Write is the first module of the series. It serves as an introduction and a guide for each subsequent module. It focuses on the four basic qualities of writing: Purpose Organization Voice Detail After explaining these fundamental building blocks, classroom-tested lessons are provided to teach each specific quality. These lessons can be easily differentiated for various developmental levels. Whole-class instruction, guided work and finally individual responses are included. Back to top	"Students are amazed at how they can lift their levels of achievement by following the rubric and knowing what is necessary for all levels." A Title I Teacher
	Bookmarks: Responding to Text is the second module in the series. Building on the skills learned in module one, this publication concentrates on teaching students how to write analytically about texts. Material includes: Classroom-tested lessons Scaffolding of instruction: whole-class modeling, guided practice and independent writing. Scoring rubrics Annotated benchmark papers A bibliography of recommended books Back to top
	Bookmarks: Narratives is the third module in the series. It is a step-by-step guide that focuses on creating characters, setting and plot. Through direct instruction and guided writing it teaches students the qualities of a narrative in three developmental levels. Level One Qualities of Writing Character What the character wants Problem Idea to solve the problem Resolution/Conclusion Children are natural storytellers. Storytelling is an important literacy activity that increases a child's ability to communicate. Narratives strengthens students' imaginations and teaches them the art of communication. Back to top