Writing Workshop C (First Semester) Grades 2-4

This 12-week (Part 1 of 2) semester long course is designed for students to focus on becoming a writer in a safe environment.  This class is dedicated to building a child’s enthusiasm for writing, and to help them experience success and excitement about writing. 

Below are a set of skills to master through this level.  If you want help determining which level, please do not hesitate to contact me and ask.

Skills your roughly 7- to 10-year-old will learn:
~Plan the main ingredients of a story before beginning to write.
~Ask who, what, when, where, and why in order to add story details.
~Organize story details.
~Write entries in a personal journal.
~Use descriptive words in his/her writing.
~Write a short nonfiction article.
~Summarize the contents of familiar books.
~Collect research facts about a specific topic.
~Write a simple, short report with an introduction, a body, and a closing.
~Use standard spelling.
~Check his/her own work for correct spelling and punctuation.

Course Outline Lesson Topics
Students will soar to new heights in their writing ability by focusing on and mastering the following lesson topics:
First Semester:
Planning the Story: Using Story Ingredients to Plan a Story (Theme: Telling Time)
Writing a Mystery: Organizing and Planning a Mystery (Theme: Mysteries)
Self-Editing: Learning to Edit Work by him/herself (Theme: Weather)
Journal Writing: The Personal Narrative in a Journal (Theme: Bees)
Descriptive Writing- Describing a Thing: Using Words to Describe Something (Theme: Telling Time)
Semester 2 will continue with:
Descriptive Writing- Describing a Person: Using Words to Describe a Person
Descriptive Writing-Describing a Place: Using Words to Describe a Place
Writing a Book Report: Writing a Summary of a Book
Writing a Report: Writing a Report Without Research
Writing a Research Report: Using Research to Write a Report

Class Structure - How will the lessons be formatted?
For each topic mentioned about, the lesson will be broken into these type of lesson parts:
~Guided Writing Practice
Children learn by example.  Guided writing practice allows them to take part while the teacher models correct writing techniques for the students.
~Pre-Writing activities
Every lesson topic will have a picture book read aloud, and many lessons will offer related warm-up games or exercises.
~Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a key component in the writing process.  This is a shared experience with students, guided by the teacher.
~Writing
This is the main focus of each lesson.  This is where the child will use the previous skills to write their own sentences and stories.
~Editing & Revising
This is only a gentle correction and improvement, so they can learn that editing is a part of the writing process.
~Activity Set Worksheets (These will be provided)
These worksheets are themed and reinforce the skills taught.
~Publishing the Writing Project
This is the most exciting and rewarding experience for young authors. The students will publish in creative and artistic ways.
~Evaluating Student's Work
The teacher has evaluation sheets for each child.  This is not meant so much as a grading device, but to help determine where each student is exceeding, and where they may need a little more help.  These are kept private, and only shared with parents.
~Extension activities to dig a little deeper 
These are extra assignments that will be given as optional.  A fun way to extend on your learned knowledge.

This course is fun and effective!  Your child will enjoy the activities whether your child is a reluctant writer or loves to write.  

Please contact me with any questions you may have- especially if you are not quite sure which level is appropriate for your child.
WritingWithBecky@gmail.com
Part 2 of this class will be held during the traditional spring semester of school.