authentic writing in the classroom
Building block threeThe last and final building block that helped me answer my compelling question was incorporating global relevant topics in my classroom that would intertwine with my authentic writing instruction. I worked with the same group of students over the course of two years and watched as they developed as writers. To help aid my students in expanding their thoughts beyond the scope of the classroom, I exposed students to global topics that were current and relevant to their learning. We read articles on Newsela, Tween Tribune, or Time for Kids. I then encouraged students to think about a topic they wanted to know more about or had strong feelings on; students spent time researching further and collecting information. Once they had time to learn more about their topic of choice, we then focused on how do writers express these thoughts or feelings in their work. We studied exemplar work of authors and the techniques they used in their published pieces to help us on our journey. I was able to truly see even the most reluctant writers take ownership over their pieces and transform into a global thinker. My students were able to use these global perspectives to shift the mindsets of others and put ideas into our world that can be heard through the power of their words.
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Student examples
standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1
Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.A Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer's purpose. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.B Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.C Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.D Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented. |
4.SI.1.1 - Use various types of resources to gather information (including print and online media).
4.SI.1.2- Use relevant sources of information for an assigned task. 4.SI.1.3 -Use reliable sources of information. 4.TT.1.1 -Use a variety of technology tools to gather data and information (e.g., Web-based resources, e-books, online communication tools, etc.). 4.TT.1.2 -Use a variety of technology tools to organize data and information (e.g., word processor, graphic organizer, audio and visual recording, online collaboration tools, etc.). 4.TT.1.3 - Use technology tools to present data and information (multimedia, audio and visual recording, online collaboration tools, etc.). |