1:1 Class: How to Read & Write a Non-Fiction Expository Rubric!

Whenever I handed out rubrics to my learners, I often found many in the trash or stuffed deep inside desks at the end of the day. After teaching that those rubrics were, in fact, the golden key to improving your reading and writing scores, my students began to see their value, and reading comprehension and writing scores increased. Rubrics clarify the expectations for excellence, allow writers to grade their work, and provide instant feedback. The problem is they are complex and challenging to understand for young learners.

In this three-session, one-on-one class, we learn how to read (and write) a non-fiction writing rubric. Students also learn the value of a rubric and how they can help to improve their writing. 

During the first class, we choose and write a rubric for a high-interest topic that can be personalized for your child—for example, a rubric to grade a Minecraft fort. We then create categories to be graded. For Minecraft, these might be architectural design, location, and furniture. Next, we fill out the rubric using prior knowledge, giving each category a 1-4 score description. Finally, we use the rubric to score completed works. For example, we would view images of Minecraft forts, and your learner would grade them using the rubric we created! Completing this activity helps young learners understand the structure and reasoning of a rubric in a fun and exciting way.

During the second class, we read a high-interest, non-fiction text to read for the main idea and supporting details. We then use a graphic organizer to highlight parts of the text that contribute to our objectives. Secondary objectives, such as vocabulary, inferring, and questioning, are also focused on during the reading. With the article comprehended and the graphic organizer complete, we are ready to move on to day three.

During the third class, we use the text, graphic organizer, and a main idea rubric to write a short constructed response to the prompt; What is the main (central) idea of the passage? Please support your main idea with at least three details from the text. 

We begin by forming a topic sentence. Then we choose quality supporting details, elaborate on those details, use transition words along the way, and write a solid conclusion.

I have been teaching this method of connecting to rubrics for many years and have seen positive results with writers that wish to improve their writing skills and scores.  

If you do not see a timeframe that fits your schedule, please notify me, and we can work something out. Also, check back soon for similar classes focusing on narrative and persuasive writing rubrics.