“Writing
Well for Different Purposes”
Audience: Grades 6-8
Through
guided writing and group discussion, students will understand the different
types of writing. Students will be exposed to the language and vocabulary of the
Common Core State Standards. They will be given opportunities to practice what
is taught in mini-lessons, apply it to independent context, and share their
writing with peers.
Lesson/Activity
Based
on students’ prior knowledge with the subjects and themes of Katherine’s
Quilt, the author will introduce prompts and offer mini-lessons on
descriptive, expository, persuasive, and narrative writing. The greatest
emphasis will be to add voice and precision through description in all types of
writing.
For the Teachers
Teachers will
gain a better understanding of Common Core State Standards, The Six Traits of
Writing, and Balanced Literacy. Teachers will understand the writing rubric for
the PASS test, how to incorporate the language of the PASS rubric into their
writing lessons, and how to teach the students to use the rubric as a writing
tool during testing. The author will offer ideas and instructional materials to
teachers about how to revise and publish a piece of student work after the
writing program ends.
Supporting Material
Teacher guides
connected to Katherine’s Quilt Made for Dreaming, Common Core State
Standards for the different types of writing, references for supporting
informational text to use in the classroom, and The Six Traits of Writing.
Suggested Duration
3-5 days
Common Core State Standards Addressed
6th
grade: CC.6.RL.1 and 2; CC.6.W.1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; CC.6.SL.1, CC.6.L.5 and 6
7th grade:
CC.7.RL.1,2, and 3; CC.7.W.1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; CC.7.SL.1; CC.7.L.5 and 6
8th grade:
CC.8.RL.1, 2 and 3; CC.8.W.1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; CC.8.SL.1; CC.8.L.5 and 6
“Dear
Dr. O’Connor, your writing is very deep and full of emotion. It brought back
some of my memories. The words seem to tell stories, each and every one.
Katherine's Quilt touched my heart as I read, I felt her mom's and grandma's
love towards her. I pray that some day I can do something as special and
touching as Katherine did when she gave her dreaming quilt to Grandma.”
Morgan, 6th Grade, 11 Years Old, Harold Johnson Middle
