|
| | Writing
| We
write in our daily lives for a variety of reasons. We write
every day, both formally and informally. Our writing
addresses different audiences and purposes.
Narrative
writing: recounts a personal experience or story and
always includes characters, setting and plot (examples:
novel, short story, journal)
Descriptive writing:
creates vivid images in the reader’s mind and uses "just
right" details to paint "word pictures" (examples: menu,
travel brochure, poster)
Expository writing:
informs, explains, clarifies, or defines (examples:
research paper, essay, report)
Persuasive writing:
informs and attempts to convince the reader to take the
same stand. (examples: movie review, restaurant
critique, letter to the editor, editorial)
Technical writing:
uses research to present specialized information, but
just because it is technical does not mean it has to be
flat and dull (examples: a VCR manual, a driver’s
manual, a legal document, a cookbook)
Business writing:
provides information in a way that is clear,
well-organized, efficient and usually answers a
question, summarizes work completed or proposes new
strategies (examples: memo, proposal, long range plan,
business letter)
|
|
|
The Six-Traits of Effective Writing
| 1. IDEAS
The ideas are the heart of the message, the content of
the piece, the main theme, and the details that enrich and
develop that theme. |
|
4. WORD CHOICE
Word choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise
language that moves and enlightens the reader. |
| 2. ORGANIZATION
Organization is the internal structure of a piece of
writing, the thread of central meaning, and the logical and
sometimes intriguing pattern of the ideas. |
|
5. SENTENCE FLUENCY
Sentence fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language,
the sound of word patterns, and the way in which the writing
plays to the ear-not just to the eye. |
| 3. VOICE
The voice is the heart and soul, the magic, the wit,
along with the feeling and conviction of the individual
writer coming out through the words. |
|
6. CONVENTIONS
Conventions are the mechanical correctness of the piece;
spelling, grammar and usage, paragraphing, use of capitals
and punctuation. |
|
|
Storyworks magazine is
a great resource that we use for prompt writing and
reading comprehension.
 |
Poetry:
Would you like to experiment with poetry?
Did you enjoy, "Behold, the Bold Umbrellaphant"?
Try out this great activity with poet Jack Prelutsky:
http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/poetry/jack_my_poem.htm
Did you know that Jack Prelutsky has an amazing website? No, well go check it
out!
http://www.jackprelutsky.com/
Writing Advice:
Scholastic has many great activities to inspire you to become better
writers. Connect on the site below and spark your imagination!
http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/
Writing based on novels:
 We
will be writing absolutely true stories inspired by the creative tales of one of
our favorite characters - Gooney Bird Greene. Would you like to
learn more about the author of Gooney Bird Greene?
Visit:
http://www.loislowry.com/index.html Poetry - 
We'll be exploring colors, numbers, and prepositions in our poetry.
Journaling
 Students will
be using Amelia's Notebook as the basis for
year-long journaling activities. We will journal on Mondays.
Write on any topic. Use pictures, words, stories, lists, poetry, personal memories... You are only limited by your imagination. |
