George Washington, Lena Horne, Benjamin Disraeli, transistors and a quotation, "If you choose the lesser of two evils, always remember that it is still an evil” are just some of the writing and discussion starters - or newsletter nuggets - featured in this collection by Jim Wayne.
Be sure to pass the link on to colleagues and school administrators. In addition to the many classroom uses, this is also great material for morning announcements and district newsletters!
Here are the coming week's writing prompts and discussion starters. Consider using them to add interest and information to newsletters and morning announcements.
Join us in giving thanks to Jim Wayne for this gift to educators everywhere!
Need writing prompts or discussion starters based upon historical and pop history events? Tidbits for morning announcements and newsletters? Or just plain interesting reading?
If so, click over to Jim Wayne's thoughtful prompts for this week. (Be sure to share the link with your colleagues!)
Students learn to write by writing. E Gads! What a concept! Next thing you know someone will try to convince us that kids learn to walk by walking and learn to read by reading. It is presumptuous to think one can teach writing.
So in answer to the question, “How Do teachers teach kids to write?” the answer is...
Writing prompts that support your efforts to teach not only writing, but social studies, history, geography, science, language, arts, religion… even pop culture!
gazette.teachers.net/gazette/wordpress/james-wayne/writing-prompts-for-october-2/ (hyperlink follows in this post online)
Her students came to her hating writing, but these warm-ups and mini-lessons have turned teacher Julie Bey's students on to the process of writing. Take a look, and be sure to share the link with colleagues!
Our small K-5 school might be getting some grant money and is interested in researching a good writing program (the one we have know doesn't give us good lessons or format). What would you suggest?
My school is implementing the six traits of writing this year. We've already "done" ideas and voice, and we're currently modeling organization. I recently did a lesson using the picture book, The Secret Shortcut, and my kids loved it. They got into groups and made their own secret shortcut to school (with wild imaginations of what they encountered). What I'm looking for now is an independent writing project that would be just as motivating. I was thinking about having them write a story about a cat's nine lives, and how it escaped danger each time (using the transitional words). I also thought I'd have them publish it in an accordian book. Does anyone else have ideas out there with something you've done which was highly motivating? Just looking for some ideas or suggestions to make my assignment better.
Hi Carolyn, This is my first year to use 6 traits so I don't have a lot of good ideas yet but I loved your idea with The Secret Shortcut. I am going to start focusing on organization next week! Thanks for the idea! Courtney
On 2/17/06, Carolyn wrote: > Hi all, > > First time I'm posting on this chatboard..... > > My school is implementing the six traits of writing this > year. We've already "done" ideas and voice, and we're > currently modeling organization. I recently did a lesson > using the picture book, The Secret Shortcut, and my kids > loved it. They got into groups and made their own secret > shortcut to school (with wild imaginations of what they > encountered). What I'm looking for now is an independent > writing project that would be just as motivating. I was > thinking about having them write a story about a cat's > nine lives, and how it escaped danger each time (using the > transitional words). I also thought I'd have them publish > it in an accordian book. Does anyone else have ideas out > there with something you've done which was highly > motivating? Just looking for some ideas or suggestions to > make my assignment better. > > Thanks! > Carolyn > > By the way......I teach fourth grade
Which books would you recommend to a Grade 4 teacher new to the 6 traits?
Paula
On 2/17/06, Carolyn wrote: > Hi all, > > First time I'm posting on this chatboard..... > > My school is implementing the six traits of writing this > year. We've already "done" ideas and voice, and we're > currently modeling organization. I recently did a lesson > using the picture book, The Secret Shortcut, and my kids > loved it. They got into groups and made their own secret > shortcut to school (with wild imaginations of what they > encountered). What I'm looking for now is an independent > writing project that would be just as motivating. I was > thinking about having them write a story about a cat's > nine lives, and how it escaped danger each time (using the > transitional words). I also thought I'd have them publish > it in an accordian book. Does anyone else have ideas out > there with something you've done which was highly > motivating? Just looking for some ideas or suggestions to > make my assignment better. > > Thanks! > Carolyn > > By the way......I teach fourth grade
Hi Carolyn,
This is my first year to use 6 traits so I don't have a
lot of good ideas yet but I loved your idea with The Secret
Shortcut. I am going to start focusing on organization next
week! Thanks for the idea!
Courtney
On 2/17/06, Carolyn wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> First time I...See More