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There are three basic units of the 7th Grade writing year. We start with the Diagnostic Writings so that we can see individual student abilities and devise plans to help them. Since this is key for their individual progress, it is very important that each student do his/her own work here without editing or input from parents. I liken this part to going to the doctor and either not saying anything (like not doing the assignment) or having someone else sit in front of the doctor (like parents or siblings doing the writing for someone) expecting the doctor to know exactly what to do to make the true patient better. From here, we move to the development of paragraph writing in a highly detailed, academic format, step by step, that becomes the perfect stepping stone to the last part--the essay. As students go through this process, we will focus on format first in the initial draft, discuss all aspects/expectations in every draft with models, direct instruction, one on one work, and peer editing, and then bring all parts of the process into the final draft. I do this because the instruction in class focuses on a plethora of discussions, models/resources for students to use in order to give them the best chances to improve their writing for each draft before they turn in the final drafts. Often, by the final drafts because all the expectations discussed in class were not met, the final draft is a lower grade than the prior drafts. Structure first, then the content, grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, focus, and creativity--just like learning an instrument, sport, or hobby. Please go to the three subpages for writing on the left to find all the materials the students are using for any particular assignment. You may print these off at home. Thank you for your support and understanding. |
