Writing Block

The purpose of this block is to build fluency in writing, to apply the writing process, to refine and apply knowledge of phonics, and to build students’ confidence as writers. Writing is reading inside out.

Segment One: Mini-Lesson (Teacher Writing)

Teacher models real writing while incorporating a skill and/or strategy. The mini-lesson includes three elements:

1. focuses on writing, adding to, or editing

2. refers to word wall

3. refers to Editor’s Checklist to promote and guide self-checking, peer revision, and editing

Segment Two: Children Writing and Conferencing

1. Students write on self-generated topics, individually paced at various stages of the writing process, often working for multiple days on one piece.

2. Individual editing conferences occur between the day’s scheduled students and the teacher while the other students write.

Segment Three: Sharing

1. Selected students share a piece of their work in the “Author’s Chair”

2. The “author” answers several questions from classmates about the writing (Stars & Wishes)

Multilevel:

Teachers allow children to choose their own topics, accept whatever level of first-draft writing each child can accomplish, guide them toward improvement, and allow children to work on their pieces as many days as needed.