Daily writing plan

I introduced a new writing plan to the kids today. Basically, after I introduce them to the three types of writing, they will write three separate paragraphs per week, one of each type of writing-- narrative, informative and opinion.  Today we worked on informative writing. A bit later I will provide them with the official scoring guide for 5th grade writing.

I've attached the information here. (The kids also have a hard copy in their new daily writing folders.)

Daily writing:

Choose something you learned today to write at least a paragraph about. This can be “informative” writing, “opinion” writing or “narrative” writing. Each paragraph should include an introduction sentence (a topic sentence) and a concluding sentence.

·      Informative writing requires a main idea and details. You are TEACHING what you learned in an interesting way. You need to use specific words you learned about the topic, and transitions between your ideas. Informative writing needs a quotation.

·      Narrative writing tells a story. You will write about something that happened to you today at school. You should use dialogue and be sure to tell about the events in sequence. Use concrete details to create a picture or movie in the reader’s mind.

·      Opinion writing states an opinion that you can support with evidence. Give your logical reasons for your opinion with details that show why your opinion is correct. Using evidence or expert knowledge makes your opinion stronger.

Guidelines:

Each week you will write one paragraph (or more) of each type of writing.  Use the appropriate colored paper for each type of writing. A good rough draft with spelling and grammar checked is good enough, but messy work is not acceptable.

All three papers are due on Fridays, or the last day of the school week. You will share your writing with a small group and receive feedback from them.

Your homework writing has two purposes:

1. Practicing the types of writing and specific skills you are learning in school improves your writing skills.

2. Writing about the content you are learning helps you remember it better.

This must be all your own work. Please do not ask your parents for help. Tell them the work will not be “scored” but will help me plan lessons. It will also help you do better on writing assessments in school that are scored.