Writing
The goal of the Middle School Writing Program is one in which students learn the criteria for writing well in many different genres and learn the skills to reach those criteria. The course consists of in-class, daily writing in a workshop style setting where students receive models of good writing and support for their efforts. Students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and interests, experiment with voice, gain fluency and enjoyment. The through-line questions guiding our work are:
- How can I write essays, poems, memoirs, and short stories that capture the reader?
- How can I use the conventions of writing to make my meaning clear?
Concepts and Methods
Understanding how to formulate statements and support those statements with commentary is fundamental to a writer’s repertoire, to the writing students will do in all of their courses, and for the high school admissions process. Fall course work begins with two essays - ritual/tradition and a favorite place - capitalizing on the rich diversity of the student population and striving to introduce new and continuing students to each other. Through these assignments students learn and practice:
- brainstorming
- outlining or mapping with support of Inspiration Software
- the drafting process including proofreading, editing, and rewriting
- giving and receiving critical feedback
- publishing
Class writing projects continue with the teaching of specific genre and the criteria for being successful in that genre. The major writing practices taught and developed are:
- creating voice
- using description in a show-not-tell style
- attention to audience
- conventions so that others understand the meaning
An important tool in the writing workshop is the computer. Having learned keyboarding skills prior to 6th grade, students use word-processing to support the drafting process in writing.
Highlights of the writing workshop include:
- direct teaching through mini-lessons
- development of an individualized proofreading list
- one on one conferences with the teacher
- group sharing of writing
Assessment
Student performance is assessed through the use of a rubric that outlines the work quality expectations. Students and the teacher create the grading rubric based on models of good writing.