Grade: 3-5
Subject: 4 Blocks

#1124. writing mini lessons WRITING FOR A PURPOSE

4 Blocks, level: Elementary
Posted Fri Jun 25 20:26:00 PDT 1999 by deb (d-smith@cybersol.com).
coloma elementary, south haven, MI USA
Concepts Taught: writing

Rubric Area: Style
Writing for a Purpose
1. Writing workshop mini lesson Language Experience Story.
After a field trip, the teacher gathers the children around chart paper. They write about their common experience.

2. Writing workshop mini lesson Letters after field trip.
After a field trip students can reflect on what they've learned. The kids will have a hands on experience. They will discuss what they've experienced, including questions and discussions about the field trip.

3. Writing workshop mini lesson writing for a purpose.
Pen pals
governor
president
complaint letter
business letter

4. Writing workshop mini lesson make writing experiences authentic
Write a letter to the principal telling him that they want a better lunch selection. (or tell him/her that he/she is doing a great job).
Once my kids were a little more confident in their writing, I would allow them to use journal time to write important notes. (For example, if their ball went on the roof at recess they could write a note to the janitor. Our janitor LOVED this and we always got our balls back first.)
Or if there was a problem/argument at recess..... I would tell them to write it down so they wouldn't forget and I would solve the problem when I had both sides in writing...... etc. When I taught 2nd grade (though you could easily adjust this to 1st as the kids get more proficient) I would have the kids write a letter to their parents every Friday telling them of what we had done all week. the parents loved this!

5. Writing workshop mini lesson problem and solution.
Use books to model how to include problems and solutions in a story.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
The Fourth Pig Escape by Teresa Celsi
Martha Speaks by Susan Meddaugh
Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus
Elmer by David McKee
The Spider and the King by Carol Kruger
The Schoolyard Mystery by Elizabeth Levy
The Birthday Present by Virginia King
Frog and Toad Together "Spring" by Arnold Lobel