Extra, Extra Write All About it: 4th Grade Academic Writing

Learners will begin by discussing what they already know about writing for school and what their goals are. Each week, we will learn about and practice a specific type of academic writing structure. For each of these structures, students will begin with an inquiry approach by examining a model text and making observations about what the author does. Next, students will learn how to brainstorm and plan a piece of writing like the model they examined. They will get to choose their own topics within this structure. Once their plans are complete, students will learn how to go from plan to draft. The next stage for each type of writing will be to revise for content, including word choice, sentence variety, and adding supporting detail. Finally, students will learn to edit their work for age-appropriate spelling, punctuation and grammar.  Students will have opportunities to share and discuss their work and give helpful feedback to each other (a skill in and of itself). The learning environment will be open and supportive to make room for all kinds of learners. As an experienced teacher with a special education background, I am able to tailor the experience for each child so everyone gets the support they need to succeed. 

Week 1: 

Session A: Setting goals and learning about the "hamburger" paragraph planning strategy (introduction and conclusion sentences with 3 pieces of evidence/support in the middle). This strategy can be used for a variety of structures.

Session B: Practice the "hamburger" paragraph planning strategy and learn to revise and edit. 

Week 2: 

Session A: Structure #1- Informational/explanatory or Problem/Solution writing- looking at model text, brainstorming ideas and making a plan

Session B: Going from plan to draft, pick 1-2 revisions and edit. 

Week 3: 

Session A: Structure #2- Compare/contrast writing- looking at model text, brainstorming ideas and making a plan

Session B: Going from plan to draft, pick 1-2 revisions and edit. 

Week 4: 

Session A: Structure #3- Persuasive writing- looking at model text, brainstorming ideas and making a plan

Session B: Going from plan to draft, pick 1-2 revisions and edit.