Mrs. Beck, Mrs. Geswell, & Mrs. Ginexi

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The Grade 3 curriculum in English Language Arts reflects the integrated nature of a balanced approach to literacy. The program encompasses writing instruction, which includes the teaching of the writing process, writer�s craft, and conventions of language, including spelling and grammar and independent writing. Listening and speaking are integrated into all components of a comprehensive balanced approach to literacy instruction. Writing � Uses the writing process and the traits of writing � Determines purpose and audience and maintains focus in writing � Edits writing using grade level appropriate writing conventions, (i.e. Capitalization of months, names of countries, standard punctuation and simple and complex sentences) � Writes independently for a variety of purposes- for personal expression, to inform, to persuade, to entertain � Spells frequently used words and words with specific spelling patterns correctly � Uses a variety of sentence structures and sentence lengths � Develops multiple paragraph essays with topic sentence and detail � Uses relevant descriptions to make a topic clear to the reader Speaking and Listening � Speaks and expresses thoughts clearly � Demonstrates active listening strategies � Plans and delivers effective oral presentations � Builds on the ideas of others in conversation Assessment: All third grade students are periodically assessed on literacy skills by the classroom teacher. The district writing benchmark and the Developmental Reading Assessment is administered in January and June. Students take the NYS Grade 3 ELA Assessment in January. For more information about the New York State English Language Arts Learning Standards and Core Curriculum, please see;: http:/www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/ela.html or: www.wappingersela.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- Writer's Workshop The basic philosophy behind writing workshop is to allow students to daily spend time writing for real purposes about things that interest them. Students can experiment with a variety of genres. English, spelling, handwriting and other mechanics can be taught within writing workshop. Students learn the craft of writing through practice, conferring, and studying the craft of other authors. The ultimate goal of a writing workshop is always to develop life-long writers. Within the context of Writer�s Workshop, a variety of organizational patterns for instruction are used: a whole class session, a small group mini-lesson, a student-teacher conference, and a sharing of written work. The Writer�s Workshop is devoted to supporting student learning in writing. What students need to learn during a Writer�s Workshop is based upon their present writing competencies and the English language arts standards and benchmarks for each grade level. For the majority of the time in Writer�s Workshop, students will be engaged in actual writing. Writer's Workshop gives children daily opportunities to develop their unique writing processes and communicate meaning through words and pictures. Students also participate in shared and individual writing activities each day. The four types of writing experiences are: Writer's workshop - small groups or individual Shared writing - whole class Interactive writing - whole class Independent writing - individual Shared Writing Shared Writing or Modeled Writing is an approach to writing where the teacher and children work together to compose messages and stories. Children provide the ideas and the teacher supports the process as a scribe. The message is usually related to some individual or group experience. The teacher provides full support, modeling and demonstrating the process of putting children's ideas into written language. The text becomes much richer than children can write themselves and becomes good material for children to read and should be displayed in the room. The children can illustrate the finished text when possible. Children will love to see their work displayed and will feel successful because they can read it. Interactive Writing During interactive writing the teacher and class, or small group, work together to create written text. The group agrees on what to write through discussion and negotiation. In order to produce the written words, the students articulate the sounds with the teacher and then write the letters and chunks of words that they hear. The teacher may fill in parts of words or whole words, depending upon the group's stage of writing development. Interactive writing is used for creating stories, writing poems, the retelling of favorite literature, recipes, directions and lists. The pieces created by the students become a part of the classroom environment and are used for reading and rereading.The class may use the pieces for shared reading or may enjoy reading some independently. Independent Writing During independent writing students are encouraged to write in journals, make their own books, or write notes or stories. Students have opportunities to become risk takers. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Six Traits of Writing Throughout Writer's Workshop, we will be focusing on the Six Traits of Writing. The 6-trait writing model is a way to assess and teach writing. This model focuses on 6 qualities seen in outstanding written works. The six traits include: Ideas: The content, or main theme. Can be looked at as the heart of the message. Organization: The internal structure of the writing. Voice: The personal voice of author comes through. This gives a sense of a real person speaking. Word Choice: The use of precise, colorful and rich words to communicate. Sentence Fluency: The writing flows together often with a rhythm or cadence. Conventions: Mechanical correctness, including spelling and grammar. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Measuring Up to NYS Standards: English Language Arts/ Blast-Off We will be working throughout the year with Measuring Up and Blast Off - E.L.A. preparation guides for the N.Y.S. English Language Arts Test. Together we will attack writing mechanics, graphic organizers, charts & graphs, note-taking, listening skills, and writing for a specific purpose using different genres. These book will be used as tools for extensive discussion, modeling, and practice in all areas.

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