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Welcome 3-5 Writing at the 2016 MiELA Network

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MiELA Network

3rd-5th Writing

Presented by: Jaynie Manier, Jon Hackey, and Ben Talsma

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Housekeeping

Book Store
Help Desk
Sign-In (Regular and ISD)
Goodie Bag
SCECHs
Schedule
Photos
Twitter (#MiELANetwork), FB (MI ELA Network)

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Pop Quiz: The Interview Part

Please find one or two grade-level colleagues. Sit down together and interview each other.

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Pop Quiz: The Pop Quiz Part

Pop Quiz #1: Getting to Know You

(Try to do it without peeking.)

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Master Objective

I can use the Writer’s Workshop format confidently and effectively to teach my students using the MAISA Writing Units.

How?

Provide Foundational Knowledge
Model, Model, Model
Provide opportunities for intentional practice.
Reflect and apply lessons learned.

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What in the world is MAISA?

Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators
Free curriculum
Common-Core aligned
Created by educators, for educators
Flexible to suit your needs
They use the “ning ”.

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Group Norms

Pursue the Present Purpose

Silence Cells, Don’t Facebook Pals, Limit Sidebars, etc.

Presume Positive Intentions
Speak Openly; Listen for Understanding
Take Breaks When You Need Them
Ask & Answer Lots o’ Questions
Other Fabulous Ideas?

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Day One: Overview

Objective: I can implement Writer’s Workshop effectively to improve student writing.

Writer’s Workshop & the MAISA Units
Launching -- Share the Love
Mini-Lessons -- The Teacher’s Craft
Independent Practice -- Kind of a Big Deal
Conferring -- Juggling Well
Celebrating --

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Writers’ Workshop & the MAISA Units

Please do NOT teach the MAISA Units.

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Writer’s Workshop & the MAISA Units

Curriculum is a tool we use to

bridge the gap between

where students are

and where we believe they can go.

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Writer’s Workshop & the MAISA Units

“If the only tool you have is a hammer, [you] treat everything as if it is a nail.”

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Launching: Share the Love

Shakespeare:

“Assume a virtue, if you have it not….

For use almost can change the stamp of nature.”

-- Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 4

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Launching: Share the Love

Communicating is fundamentally human.
Teachers can guide students to discover a love for writing.
Modeling enthusiasm is helpful.
Here’s the Big Idea:

Create an engaging way for students to collect topics that interest them.

Your turn.

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Launching: Share the Love

Some more useful ideas:

Rules, Procedures, & Expectations Matter

Must be CLEAR and CONSISTENT

Procedures should promote writing stamina.
You may wish to schedule FREE WRITE time.
Let’s discuss!

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Mini-Lessons: The Teacher’s Craft

Lessons should be:

Short
Targeted
Engaging
Modeled
Grade Me!

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Putting it all together...

Unit 3: Writing a Persuasive Essay - Lesson 1

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Mini-Lessons: The Teacher’s Craft

Feel free to…

Use professional models
Use student models →
Do some writing yourself
Fix negative models

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Mini-Lessons: The Teacher’s Craft

Analyze student writing.
Use MAISA!
Consult CCSS.
Mini-lesson objectives from Jon, Jaynie, and Ben.
Please pace responsibly.

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Mini-Lessons: The Teacher’s Craft

Let’s practice identifying the needs in student writing.

Six minutes to read.
Three minutes to list potential mini-lesson topics.
Six minutes to discuss and align.

3rd grade samples

4th grade samples

5th grade samples

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Mini-Lessons: The Teacher’s Craft

Writing samples can give students a great idea of what quality writing looks like in their grade level:

MAISA will serve as a very helpful resource.

Writing Pathways

Online Student Writing Samples:

Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5

Check out the Ducks’ writing samples. Discuss.

What surprised you? What did you learn?

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Independent Practice: KoaBD

The #1 factor connected to student writing gains is TIME SPENT WRITING.

It is NOT the only factor connected to student writing improvement.

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An Algebraic Equation Correlating Independent Practice and Total Writing Times

I = Ideal duration of independent practice

T = Total writing time available

I + 15 = T

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Independent Practice: KoaBD

Implement Rules and Procedures that:

Fit your classroom management style
Promote writing stamina
Encourage rather than discourage

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Independent Practice: KoaBD

Let’s put your Reflection Notebook to work!

Writing Prompts:

What successes have you had with writing, either as a writer or as a teacher?
What excites you about what we’ve learned so far? What concerns do you still have?
Why is writing so terrifying to some students? What can you do to help them write more enthusiastically?

Be still. Be silent. Think. Write.

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Conferring: Juggling Well

Key Points:

Establish classroom routines very solidly.
Set aside time to confer with each student weekly.
I * D / S
Keep efficient, effective records.
One-on-one is best.
Consider online collaboration.
Praise / Wish / Praise

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Conferring: Juggling Well

Keep feedback focused to one or two topics.
Different students will need different levels of support

Teacher can play an active role, making very specific recommendations.
Teacher can give the student general areas for improvement, but leave lots of autonomy.
Anywhere in between.