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Criswell - Writer's Workshop (Section Tues 5)

Instructor
Mrs. Meridith Criswell
Department
Language Arts
Terms
2019-2020 School Year


Assignment Calendar

Course Description

 

Class Title:

Writer’s Workshop

Code:

E325

Text:

Various Resources

Rating:

3

Prerequisite:

None

Grade:

5-­6

Fees:

None

Max:

15

Can be repeated? Yes
 

Description: Students will have fun using language to paint a picture with their own words. Students will engage in activities that will help them access their own creativity. This class will take a progressive approach to effective writing, in which students will start with sentence structure, word choice, and basic grammar, and then move into elaboration techniques, figurative language, and paragraph writing. Possible projects may include personal narratives, journaling, expository writing, fiction and poetry.

Posts

Story Brainstorming example
Here is the example story brainstorming sheet from class. Use this as a guide if you forget what each part is for, or as an example of the level of detail to include in each section.

Story Brainstorming

For homework, please use the Short Story Brainstorming sheet from class to brainstorm three possible story ideas. Remember, you are not tied to any of these ideas, necessarily; we are just getting the creative juices flowing so we can start writing soon. This organizer will help you start thinking of your story writing in terms of the plot mountain. 
 
If you prefer to type, you could also type your ideas in a chart or document you create, as long as it includes all of the same categories. 

Homework

Fill out the plot mountain graphic organizer to identify literary elements from a story/book of your choice. You can use a fairy tale, picture book, or novel that you have already read. Use your "Literary Elements Plotline" handout from class to help you. You do not have to fill out the THEME box (we haven't covered that in class yet). 

Persuasive Letter Homework

Using the OREO organizer from class, WRITE your persuasive letter. If you already wrote your letter last week, revise it at home to be sure you have the requirements below. You should have a total of FIVE paragraphs:
 

Introduction paragraph – Introduce why you are writing and clearly identify the issue to be discussed (what you want the reader to do or think). Preview your three reasons. (minimum of 3 sentences)

Body paragraph #1- State your first reason in an interesting way.  Provide at least three supporting details that support/explain your reason.  A wrap up sentence must be included at the end. (minimum of 5 sentences)

Body paragraph #2 - State your second reason in an interesting way.  Provide at least three supporting details that support/explain your reason.  A wrap up sentence must be included at the end. (minimum of 5 sentences)

Body paragraph #3 - State your last point in an interesting way.  Provide at least three supporting details that support/explain your reason.  A wrap up sentence must be included at the end. You might also include a counter-argument in addition to, or in place of, the third reason.  (minimum of 5 sentences)

Conclusion paragraph- Restate your opinion in a memorable way.  Review your three reasons. Conclude with a personal connection, inspirational thought, or other way that allows your own “voice” to be heard.  (minimum of 3 sentences)

Persuasive Letter

Using the OREO organizer from class, plan your persuasive letter. Remember your audience, what you are tying to convince them to do or think (opinion), and give three reasons with 3 supporting examples/evidence for each reason. We will start writing the actual letter in class next week, so make sure you have your argument planned out with supporting details on your planning sheet!
 
I will post my example letter and OREO planning sheet as an example.

Opinion Writing

Using your OREO opinion writing organizer from class, write or type a paragraph (or more) on a separate sheet of paper to support your opinion on whether you would rather encounter (or wrestle) an alligator or black bear. Make sure to follow the Opinion, Reason/Explain, Reason/Explain, Reason/Explain, Opinion format for your paragraph. Use the "Opinion Writing Toolkit" to help you find appropriate transition words/phrases for each section. 

Homework

To prepare for our next opinion writing piece (Would you rather wrestle a black bear or an alligator?), students will research one of those animals. They were sent home with information to read, and should take notes on a separate sheet of paper on at least FIVE facts that relate to the topic (examples include: animal's size, diet, teeth, etc.). The information can also be found at:

Writer's Workshop Update

In Writer's Workshop we started a short unit on opinion and persuasive writing. Students will learn to write well organized opinion paragraphs and persuasive essays, supporting their claims with fact-based evidence. Today, we started to explore the structure of an opinion paragraph with a brief in-class piece, "Which are better: gloves or mittens?"
 
No homework this week.

Elementary Language Arts

What a fun week and a great way to wrap up the semester! Thank you for all the gifts and kind notes this week. I feel so lucky that you let me be a part of your family's homeschool journey!
 
No homework in any elementary language arts classes over winter break. Have a wonderful, relaxing holiday, and I will see you in the new year!