IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS FOR BOTH USING: BASIC READING INVENTORY THE 6+1 TRAITS OF WRITING GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS INTERNET RESEARCH

The basic reading inventory focuses on five areas: phonemic awareness Phonics  fluency  vocabulary  Comprehension The last three will be the main area of focus

I will be checking your: independent reading level frustration level strategies for word identification fluency strengths and weaknesses in comprehension This will help determine where you are as a reader.

Why writing is important: Writing expresses who you are as a person. Writing is portable and permanent and makes your thinking visible. Writing helps you move easily among facts, inferences, and opinions without getting confused, and without confusing your reader. Writing ideas down preserves them so that you can reflect upon them later. Writing provides you with the communication and thinking skills you need to participate effectively in society. Writing is an essential job skill.

The Traits of Writing Ideas/content-the heart of the message, the content of the piece, the main theme, with details that enrich and develop that theme Organization-the internal structure (the roadmap), the thread of central meaning, the logical and sometimes intriguing pattern of ideas Voice-the heart and soul, magic, wit, feeling and conviction of the writer coming out Word choice-the use of rich, colorful, precise language that moves and enlightens the readers Sentence fluency-the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns, the way in which the writing plays to the ear, not just to the eye Conventions-the mechanical correctness of the piece; spelling, grammar, and usage, paragraphing, use of capitals and punctuation Presentations-the culmination all, the sharing with outside readers

A rubric based on the traits will be used as an assessment tool for various written work. The key questions asked to ensure that the writing meets the expectations are: Ideas- Did I stay focused and share original and fresh information or perspectives about my topic? Organization- Does the organizational structure enhance my ideas and make it easier to understand? Voice- Would I keep reading this paper if it were longer? Word choice- Do my words and phrases create vivid pictures and linger in the reader’s mind? Sentence fluency- Can you feel the words and phrases flow together as you read? Conventions- How much editing would have to be done to be ready to share with an outside reader? Presentation- Have I retained, and do I understand what I have written so I can share it with outside listeners?

A variety of graphic organizers will be introduced for use during the writing process; they will help with organization. They can also be a useful tool when researching information for projects. When researching, it is required that sources be cited when information is “borrowed” or obtained from an internet source. A worksheet will be available, along with other strategies/tools to keep track of the web sites, and pertinent information that will be needed to create a work cited page for projects.

Learning the Traits One by One

Ideas/Content The ideas are the heart of the message, the content of the piece, together with strong, clear and interesting details that enrich and develop the theme. A writer should: ~ Narrow the topic to something specific ~ Include fresh, original ideas ~ Stick to a clear, central theme that drives the writing ~ Elaborate the main idea with plenty of information ~ Use important, interesting supporting details ~ Develop the topic in an interesting way ~ Use Lots of showing (specific) rather than telling (generalities) ~ Stay in control of the topic (theme)

Key Questions Did the writer stay focused? Or Did the writer share original and fresh information or his/her perspective about the topic? Or Did the writer get off the topic and start drifting?

Check list: clear controlling idea focused/ narrowed sufficient information insightful original interesting details complete

Organization Organization is the internal structure of a piece of writing like the framework of a building. It is the road map which directs the reader through the paper, the thread of central meaning, the logical pattern of the ideas. Good organization helps a reader understand the writer’s message or follow the writing with ease. A writer should: ~ Begin his/her writing with an inviting introduction that “hooks” the reader. ~ Follow a logical and effective order, structure, & sequence. ~ Use smooth transitions that link key points and ideas. ~ Place supporting details where they are most appropriate. ~ End his/her writing with a conclusion that gives the reader a sense of resolution or something to think about.

Key Questions Does the organizational structure enhance or showcase the central idea or theme? Does the organization follow a logical sequence? Key Questions Does the organizational structure enhance or showcase the central idea or theme? Does the organization follow a logical sequence?

Check list: appealing opening obvious direction/ logical progression effective sequencing connected-ness smooth transitions good pacing builds to high point strong sense of conclusion

Word choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that moves and enlightens the reader. Strong word choice clarifies and expands ideas. “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” A writer should: ~ Use powerful action verbs (vivid verbs). ~ Use specific descriptive nouns. ~ Use adjectives that are as descriptive as possible. ~ Be concise (tighten sentences). ~ Use words correctly. ~ Use language that is natural and not overdone. ~ Use figurative language – similes, metaphors, hyperbole. ~ Avoid repetition, slang, and clichés.

1) Begin by showing students a simple, unadorned but complete sentence. Example: "I went for a walk." 2) Ask students to verbalize the questions a sentence like this hopefully brings to their minds--Where did you go? Were you alone? Why did you go on this walk? What did you see or do on this walk? When did you go? Did you come back? 3) Using these ideas, students will then add some life to the sentence-details, description, etc.-to help it become a "super sentence." Example: "Last night, my dog Rufus and I took a long walk through the dark woods."

Key Questions Do the words & phrases create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind? Have I used any new words? Did I try not to repeat words too many times?

Check list: natural active, energetic verbs precise, concrete nouns & modifiers new twists on everyday words minimal redundancy (repetitive, unnecessary) accuracy of expression paints pictures

Link for transitional words/phrases

Sentence fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns, the way the writing plays to the ear, not just to the eye. “To me the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it’s about, but the music the words make.” A writer should: ~ Vary the length of sentences. ~ Use different sentence structures or patterns. ~ Begin the sentence in different ways. ~ Use complete sentences – any fragments must add to the meaning of the text. ~ Use language that sounds natural. ~ Give the writing an easy flow and rhythm.

Key Question Can you FEEL the words and phrases flow together as you read it aloud?

Check list: creative, memorable word combinations graceful, easy to read aloud natural, pleasant rhythm variety in length, type & structure structure enhances meaning effective, smooth phrasing

It is the heart and soul of the writing, the magic, the wit, the feeling and conviction of the writer coming through the words; it is the personality of the writer coming through on the page. It is what gives the reader the feeling that the writer is talking directly to you. A writer should: ~ Write honestly and from the heart. ~ Connect and interact with the reader. ~ Care about topic. ~ Speak directly to the reader in a way that is individual, compelling and engaging. ~ Keep the reader interested in the topic. ~ Share his/her feelings about the topic. ~ Use language that brings the topic to life for the reader. ~ Use expression to voice personality.

Key Questions Does the writing sound like me? Did I say what I think and feel? Does my writing have energy and passion?

Check list: obvious person behind the words writer is committed/involved with topic reaches out/connects to audience energetic, lively, consistent tone definite point of view

Conventions are the rules of the language. They are the common patterns of grammar and usage, spelling, punctuation, paragraphing (indenting) and capitalization that readers expect in good writing. They make writing easy to read and understand. A writer should: ~ Proofread and edit the paper. ~ Use capitalization correctly. ~ Make sure all spelling is corrected. ~ Correct all grammar and punctuation. ~ Reinforce the organization with good paragraphing. ~ Turn in a clean, edited, and polished final draft. Good ideas could be overshadowed by errors in conventions that distract the reader. This trait is essential to a polished composition.

Check list: effective use of conjunctions & transitions correct spelling correct/effective punctuation appropriate grammar/ usage correct capitalization designed to make reading easy

CREATIVE, PERSONAL FACE: Does the flow of the writing keep you reading? INFORMATIONAL FACE: Does organization help you understand key points or issues?

Creative, Personal Face: Hooks the reader Clear transitions Wow of an ending Main Point Informational Face: To-the-point lead Connecting structure Informs and educates Ending reinforces main point

Check list: has an effective beginning, middle, and end. uses paragraphing effectively. contains a strong controlling idea. progresses in a logical order. uses effective cohesive devices (such as transitions, repetition, pronouns, parallel structure) between and within paragraphs clearly addresses the topic and provides convincing elaboration through specific and relevant details, reasons, and examples. uses precise and vivid language. contains sentences that are clear and varied in structure. effectively uses writing techniques (such as imagery, humor, point of view, voice). shows complexity, freshness of thought, and individual perspective. clearly shows an awareness of audience and purpose. contains few errors in grammar/usage, punctuation, capitalization, and/or spelling.