This week I want to talk about writing. Sometimes I have a few reluctant writers. I'm sure that I do what most of you do with this group of students. Model, Model, Model, and spend one on one time with them as much as possible. I find that I still need to do this with my Smarties in Middle School as well. A few weeks ago I wrote about how my middles like to talk about themselves, so instead of doing just a heart map when we start Writer's Workshop, we make an I am. You can read about that activity {HERE}.
In sixth grade we spend a lot more time on informative writing. I still think it is very important to allow my students to choose a topic themselves. This Thursday we are putting on an Egyptian tomb. I can't wait to share pictures of all of the work they have been doing! With this project we have had students write an essay, a museum card, and then partner with each other and create a connected summary. I want to share one of these with you. Two of my students paired up to write a one paragraph summary about their topics. One of my smarties had the Nile River as a topic, the other had Egyptian mathematicians. It was amazing to listen to these two boys talk about the connections between these two topics. What they came up with is below.
Sometimes it is difficult to motivate students to write, but I think the best way is still allowing them the choice about topics.
Share with me something that motivates your students to write! I would love to know!
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I love hearing what sixth grade teachers are doing with writing to help me prepare my 5th graders for middle school. We have been doing a lot more informative writing as we are coming out of 4th grade with so many narratives. Thank you all for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAlison
Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'
I completely agree with you that allowing choice about topics is so motivating for our students. I love the ancient Egypt example! It brings back fond memories of when I taught 6th grade for eight years. :)
ReplyDelete~Holly
Fourth Grade Flipper
Wow! It's amazing what two years can do for a kid... crazy to think my kiddos will be doing that in only two years! Love all your ideas! Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteJivey