5 Ways to assess students writing progress

This is from the sixth post in the Teaching Young Writers blog series sponsored by Zaner-Bloser's Strategies for Writers. You can see the previous post on 5 Peer Revision Strategies.

1. X Marks the Spot
   Too often we teachers grade papers as if we are preparing a manuscript for publication. We proofread, line-edit and rewrite. Stop now. Refrain from spending all of your time writing long comments on your students' papers. A piece of writing filled with comments and proofreading marks can cause students to feel overwhelmed and bewildered. The goal is for your students to slowly gain writing skills and confidence, not to feel discouraged and negative about writing. Instead, focus on the content of the paper. When you see a grammar mistake or a spelling error, simply put a small x next to it. Let your students problem-solve what needs to be corrected. They figure out the mistakes marked with an x and enter their corrections in the margin. This will cut back your time and help students grow as writers and assess their own work. Save the proofreading marks for your students to do on their own writing, as well as on their peers'papers.
   
   
   
2. Write an End Comment
   Save your comments for the end of your students' writing. Your comment should include at least one strength. Then, it can point out a problem that the student needs to improve. Finally, it should end with suggestions for the student's next step in the writing process. Students can take your recommendations to assess their writing and set goals to continue their progress.
   
   
   
3. Address Common Errors Together
   If you notice that many of your students are inserting semicolons willy-nilly or skimping on the textual evidence, rather than writing this note over and over on each student's composition, do a mini-lesson (or three) with the class. By having a class discussion, students will all receive the same comment you would have written on many papers in one simple whole-group conference.
   
   
   
4. Use a Rubric
   Using a rubric to assess students' writing is a great way to see exactly what students are grasping and and what they're struggling with. Teachers can find premade rubrics or create their own on iRubric. This is my favorite site for creating and adapting rubrics, and it's free! What makes rubrics efficient is that teachers can circle and add notes to each category. Then, they quickly calculate the score. Rubrics help teachers pinpoint exactly what the student needs help with or where the student needs more of a challenge.
   



5. Incorporate Student Reflection
   Rather than viewing assessment as something only teachers do, have students complete a self-assessment. Encourage students to assess their own strengths and needs in their writing. An easy way to motivate students to evaluate their own writing progress is to create a rating scale. The rating scale could be in a traffic light format (red, yellow, green). Students color in the circle to describe their level of understanding: Red = I don't understand, Yellow = I'm starting to get it and Green = I got it! After they assess themselves, have your students create goals for themselves. By doing so, you will get an insight into what your student is thinking and feeling, which will make the ongoing assessment process a lot easier and more efficient!
   

Looking for more? Nine free Strategies for Writers lesson plans complete with teacher and student pages!

SOURCE

Monday Quote

Writing Prompt: What Would the Theme Song to your life be?

 Have students write the song, lyrics, why they chose it. Could do a soundtrack also.

They could embed it on their web site/class website, make a word Cloud with the lyrics, write about it for language arts... endless ways to use this idea.

From classroomcollective.tumblr.com - I found on facebook.

Build Your Wild Self Website

I really love the site Build Your Wild Self. The site allows you customize a person by using many different animal parts as you can see in the image above. It is simple to use and FREE. What a neat way to use technology and creativity.... Here is an example of student work:

Via Tech Tailgate

J.K. Rowling's spreadsheet plan for Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix - Pre-Writing is important!

I love this... One of J.K. Rowling's brainstorm / planning sessions for her novel. Show this to students to show the extent of pre-writing and how important it is!



Sometimes kids (and grown-ups) think books "magically" appear fully written. Show your students J.K. Rowling’s spreadsheet plan for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to help them see the work and planning that goes in to writing! (from flavorwire.com/)

Inferencing with Photos

I use a lot of photos and picture books to do regular inferencing with my class and also as a TTOC it is a fun way to do a quiet write... show a photo, allow for some brainstorming or sharing and inferencing, then write..... a story, description, perspective, whatever.... for a photo.

This pintrest page has some great photos you could use to print, put on SMARTboard or projector and use in a variety of ways.

Here are two examples from the page....

Writing Prompts....

Source: carrieelle.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Double Entry Journals

Source: allthingsupperelementary.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Double entry journals are awesome. I have used them with pairs/partners, and for different connections. You can read more about this bloggers lessons at this blog

Getting to know students.... in a short amount of time

Knowing students names, making connections can help a teacher in the classroom. As a TTOC, it is difficult to get to know students when you have one day, sometimes less.

A strategy I often use is to have them share something about them during attendance. Instead of answering "HERE" or "PRESENT" when I call their name for attendance, I ask them a question "What is your favourite colour?" (primary) or "What is your favourite subject?" or "What song is on replay on you ipod right now?" (high school) then when their name is called they can answer. Usually it is a question that requires only a one word answer.

Another activity you could do as a warm-up to the morning is a short writing activity....

Tell students, "I'd like to know you better. Please write a half page (adjust based on grade level) for me on this topic":

• If I could do anything for one day, it would be . . .
• If I won a million dollars, I would . . .
• The best time I ever had was . . .
• What I like most in a friend is . . .
• I would like to be an educated/uneducated person because . . .
• What worries me most in the world is . . .
• In my spare time I like to . . .

 This is a great way to have students focused on a quiet activity and allows you to get to know them a bit better. This is also a nice way to have a few moments to get acquainted with the room, day plan, and so on. You can circulate and read some of the responses as they write, or read them during recess or when they are working on another activity.

Asking if anyone wants to share what they wrote is a nice activity also. Leave the writing for their regular teacher to enjoy also!

Writing Prompts for students who finish work early...

Literacy is a goal of many schools and as a teacher-teaching-on-call it is a goal you can help work towards, even in a short time at a school. Often lessons don't go as planned and end a bit early. While games can be a fun filler, writing prompts are a way to have students working and focused on something allowing you to circulate and help other students who maybe are not yet done the lesson left by the classroom teacher.

I like to write a prompt on the board so that students who are done their work have a task to work on, this helps prevent them from becoming bored or disruptive to others working. 

If there is time, volunteers may wish to read/share what they have written with you or the class.

This site had a long list of writing prompts you could try, or let students think of their own.

What is...

• What is something you dislike about yourself?
• What is something you do well?
• What is your favourite room in your home and why?
• What is a good neighbour?
• What is the worst thing parents can do to their children?
• What is your favourite time of day?
• What is your idea of a dull evening?
• What is the best way to treat meddlesome people?
• What is something you are optimistic about?
• What is something you are pessimistic about?
• What is your most indispensable possession and why?
• What is the meaning of "He laughs best who laughs last"?
• What is your favourite song and why?
• What is the best birthday present you ever received?
• What is the best birthday present you could receive?
• What is something that makes you feel sad?
• What is your favourite book and why?
• What is something that really bugs you?
• What is something that really makes you angry?
• What is the best advice you ever received?
• What is your favourite holiday? What makes this holiday special?
• What is your favourite day of the week?
• What is your favourite month? Why?

What if...

• What would happen if you could fly whenever you wanted? When would you use this ability?
• What would happen if there were no television? Why would this be good? bad?
• What would happen if everyone lived in space? What type of houses would they live in? What type of clothing would they wear? What type of food would they eat? How would they travel?
• What if cows gave root beer instead of milk?
• What if all the streets were rivers? What would be different?
• What would happen if people never co-operated? Why do you think it is important to co-operate?
• What would happen if it really did rain cats and dogs?
• What would happen if animals could talk? What are some of the questions you would like to ask animals?
• What would happen if you could become invisible whenever you wanted to? What are some of the things you could do that you cannot do now?
• What would happen if everyone wore the same clothes?
• What would happen if you threw a piece of trash on the ground? What if everyone did?
• What if you could walk up walls and across ceilings?
• What would happen if you loved your neighbour as yourself? What if everyone did?
• What would happen if you grew taller than trees? How would this change your life?
• What would happen if children ruled the world?
• What would happen if there were no cars, buses, trains, boats, or planes? How would this change your life?
• What if everyone lived under water? Where would people live? What games would children play? What would school be like?
• What would happen if you found gold in your backyard?
• What would you do if a bully bothered you on your way home?
• What would you do if you did very poorly of a test?
• What would you do if a friend borrows things from you but never returns them?
• What would you do if You were the teacher and everyone forgot his homework?
• What would you do if you were in the middle of the lake and your boat began to leak?
• What would you do if Your friend had a broken leg? How would you cheer him up?
• What would you do if you saw little bugs in your salad?
• What would you do if you woke up in another country and no one could understand you?
• What would you do if you ordered an ice cream cone and you forgot to bring money?
• What would you do if someone got in front of you when you were in line at the movies?
• What would you do if your jelly sandwich fell upside down on the floor?
• What would you do if only one hot dog is left and neither you nor your friend have had one?
• What would you do if two of your best friends went to the movies without inviting you?
• What would you do if the surprise party was for you but you weren't surprised?
• What would you do if you got a present you didn't like?
• What would you do if you were at home and your homework was at school?
• What would you do if you dropped the cookie jar and it broke?
• What would you do if you were invited to two parties on the same day?
• What would you do if you promised to feed your pet and you didn't?
• What would you do if someone said you did something wrong and you didn't?
• What would you do if your new shoes felt fine in the store but now they are hurting?
• What would you do if someone told you a joke that you don't think is funny?
• What would you do if an hour before the party you remember you don't have a gift?
• What would you do if a friend comes to your house and his/her mom doesn't know he's/she's there?
• What would you do if you had four math problems marked wrong that were right?
• What would you do if you found in the street?
• What would you do if you found a magic wand?
• What would you do if you wanted to be friends with someone who spoke no English?
• What would you say if someone told you it was all right to steal from a large department store?
• What would you do if you saw a friend cheating--report it, confront the friend, nothing--and why?
• If you could have been someone in history, who would you have been?
• If you could only take 3 people with you on a trip around the world, who would you take and why?
• If you could give any gift in the world, what would you give and to whom?
• If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
• If you received any sum of money as a gift, what would you do with it?
• If you could do whatever you wanted to right now, what would you do?
• If you were principal of this school, what would you do?
• If you were a mouse in your house in the evening, what would you see your family doing?
• If you were five years older you would...
• If you were lost in the woods and it got dark, what would you do?
• If it were your job to decide what shows can be on t.v., how would you choose?
• If there were no rules, what do you think would happen?
• If you owned a store, what would you do to discourage people from stealing from you?
• If you could participate in an Olympic event, which one would you choose and why?
• If you could break the Guiness Book of Records it would be for?
• If you had to describe yourself as a colour, which would you choose?
• If your friend told you of a secret plan to run away from home, what would you do and why?

What do you think...

• What do you think of 3D movies?
• What do you think someone your age can do to help reduce the amount of pollution in our environment?
• What do you think the world needs now?
• What do you think your friends say to each other when you're not around?
• What do you think about the amount of violence on T.V.?
• What do you think about people polluting the environment?
• What do you think about having set rules for people to follow?
• What do you think about people who are inconsiderate of others?
• What do you think should be done to keep people who are under the influence of alcohol off the road?
• What do you think the world will be like when you are a grown up?
• What do you think about ghosts?
• What do you think of someone who has bad manners?
• What do you think about people who take advantage of others?
• What do you think about when you can't fall asleep?
• What do you think courage means?
• What do you think makes a good friend?
• What do you think makes a happy family?
• What pollutants do you think do the most damage and why?
• What things do you think are beautiful?
• What do you think about students having to wear school uniforms?

What...misc.

• What do you like most about yourself?
• What do you like to do in your free time?
• What kind of animal would you like to be and why?
• What kind of trophy would you like to win?
• What TV or movie star would you like to invite to your birthday party?
• What does "Clothes make the person" mean to you?
• What does "Have your cake and eat it too" mean to you?
• What does "The early bird gets the worm" mean to you?
• What do we mean when we say, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence"?
• What does "You can't take it with you" mean?
• What do we mean when we say, "You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar"?
• What do we mean when we say, "Hitch your wagon to a star"?
• What does "still waters run deep" mean to you?
• What does "There are two sides to every coin" mean to you?
• What does Canada mean to you?
• What are you afraid of? Why?
• What are junk foods?
• What are some nutritious foods that you like?
• What are some rules you have to follow at home?
• What are some examples of prejudice?
• What is more important to you, appearance or personality?
• What is most important to you in a friend--loyalty, generosity, honesty--why?
• What is something that makes you melancholy?
• What makes your best friend your best friend?
• What makes you feel safe?
• What makes you laugh?
• What would you invent to make life better?
• What would you do to entertain your family without spending any money?
• What effects does watching violence have on people?
• What effects do cigarette and alcohol advertising have on young people?
• What kind of t.v. commercial would you like to make? Describe it.
• What kind of pet would you most like to have--monkey, snake, goat--why?
• What kind of program do you enjoy most on TV--detective shows, comedies, game shows--and why?
• What advice would you give a new student?
• What advice would you give to someone who stole something but now feels guilty?
• What things are better than going to school? Why?
• What talents do you have?
• What three words would describe you right now?
• What four things are most important in your life?
• What colour makes you think of happiness?
• What has been the most fun activity at school so far?
• What quality do you like about yourself--creativity, personality, appearance--why?
• What eccentric behaviour in a friend disturbs you the most?
• What parts of nature do you like best?
• What do you do for exercise?
• What is the most ludicrous outfit you can think of?
• What is the funniest dinner you've ever had with your family?

How...

• How do you feel when it's your birthday? Why?
• How do you feel on the first day of winter? Why?
• How would you feel if you were going to be on a show? Why?
• How do you feel when you do something wrong?
• How do you feel when you do something that is very good?
• How do you feel when you play a trick on someone?
• How would you feel if a new child moved into your neighbourhood?
• How do you think the new child would feel?
• How do you feel when you have had a fight with your best friend?
• How do you think your friend felt?
• How do you feel when you are in bed with the lights out?
• How do you feel when you want something very badly and you cannot have it? Why is this so important to have?
• How do you feel on a warm sunny day?
• How do you feel when you stay with a babysitter?
• How do you feel when you're leaving home on vacation?
• How do you feel when you sleep at someone's house?
• How do you feel during a thunderstorm?
• How do you feel on the first day of school?
• How do you feel when your parents are upset with you? Why do they become upset with you?
• How do you feel on Thanksgiving? What are you thankful for?
• How do feel on (any holiday)?
• How do you feel when something scares you? What do you do when this happens?
• How would you feel if someone told you that you were his or her best friend?
• How do you feel about your appearance?
• How would you change the world to make it better?
• How do you think eating junk food affects you?
• How do you have the most fun--alone, with a large group, with a few friends--and why?
• Explain how to play your favorite game.
• How would you describe your house to someone who has never visited there before?

I wish...

• I wish I had a million... Then I would...
• I wish I had one... because
• I wish I could be like.... This person is special because....
• I wish to be a ________ when I grow up. Then I will....
• I wish there were a law that said..... This would be a good law because....
• I wish I could forget the time I ..... because....
• I wish trees could..... because....
• I wish I could see...... because.....
• I wish I could learn..... because.....
• I wish I didn't have to eat...... I don't like this food because.....
• I wish everyone would learn to ..... Then everyone would.....
• I wish I never......
• I wish I had one more chance to..... Then I would.....
• I wish there was an electric......
• I wish I had enough money to......
• I wish everyone loved......
• I wish all children would......
• I wish everyone had.....
• I wish I could touch......
• I wish animals could...... If they could, then.....
• I wish I looked like.... because......
• I wish there were no more.....
• I wish I didn't have to.....
• I wish I could go to.....
• I wish there really was..... If there really was, then.....
• I wish I could hear......
• I wish I could give......
• If all my wishes came true, I would......

When...

• When you are angry, how do you look?
• When are you happiest?
• When have you felt lonely?
• When do you feel proud?
• When was the last time you cried and why?
• When a friend was in an embarrassing situation, what did you do?
• When it might hurt their feelings, how do you feel about telling your friends the truth?
• When might it be bad to be honest?
• When someone picks on someone else, how do you feel? What do you do?
• Once, when you were very frightened, what happened?
• Once, when you were embarrassed, what happened?
• Once, when your feelings were hurt, what happened?
• Describe a time when you felt vengeful.
• When you have a problem who do you talk to? Why?

Which...

• Which quality best describes your life--exciting, organised, dull--and why?
• Which quality do you dislike most about yourself--laziness, selfishness, childishness--and why?
• Which place would you most like to visit--Africa, China, Alaska--why?
• Which holiday has the most meaning for you-Canada Day, Thanksgiving, Valentines Day--and why?
• Which is least important to you--money, power, fame--and why?
• Which is most important to you--being popular, accomplishing things, being organised--and why?
• Which is your favourite Star Wars character (or other movie/book/t.v. show, etc.)? Why?

Why...

• Why is it important to be honest?
• Why is important to have good manners?
• Why do you think adults smoke/drink?
• Why is exercise important to someone your age?
• Why do you think some people encourage others to smoke/drink?
• Why do you think the rules you must follow are good or bad?
• Why would it be good to be honest?
• Why have men and women usually only done certain types of work?
• Why should or shouldn't a man stay home to care for the house and children while his wife goes to work?
• Why do you think some people take advantage of others?
• Why do you think prejudice exists in the world?
• Why would we say that someone is "passing the buck"?
• Why would a Prime Minister have a sign on his desk which read, "The buck stops here"?
• Why do you think tact is an important quality?
• Why is it not wise to squander your money?
• Explain why we say, "dead as a door nail".
• Think of your favourite toy. Why do you like it best?
• Think of the best teacher you ever had. Why were they a good teacher?

Misc...

• Do you think there is too much fighting on t.v. Why or why not?
• Do you think it is necessary to have alcohol at a party in order to have a good time?
• Does it bother you to be around someone who has bad manners?
• Should there be a dress code in places such as school, restaurants, and places of business? Why or why not?
• Should animals be used for medical research?
• Should the Canadian Government financially support Olympic teams?
• Should people be prohibited from smoking in certain places?
• Families are important because...
• Would you like to be famous? Why or why not? What would you like to be famous for?
• Who or what has had a strong influence in your life?
• Where would you prefer to be right now--mountains, desert, beach--and why?
• Should you have to do chores around the house? Why or why not?
• Should you be required to wear a bike helmet? Why or why not?
• Should skateboards be allowed on sidewalks?
• Where do you think we should go on our class fieldtrip this year? Why?
• Should you have to take tests in school?
• Should cellphones be allowed in school?
• Can television (or videogames) influence your behaviour? How?
• Should schools be year-round?
• Should junk food be banned from schools?
• Should students be required to learn a second language?

Photos as teaching tools...

Some of my friends and I have started to take more photos of nature and things we find beautiful or interesting. I love sharing photos with my class and using them as prompts for discussions, writing, etc.

In the past, when I have taught EAL/ESL (English as an Additional/a Second Language)I have used photos, magazine covers, pictures of any type and allowed them to write sentences or talk about the picture as a warm-up activity. This helps them with written and / or speaking because they are using vocabulary and forming sentences.

In a regular class I have used photos as prompts for story writing, making connections, and speaking/mini-speeches.

I now make it a point to try and use my own photos and usually have my camera with me to capture things I think may be interesting to use for my classroom activity.

As a TTOC, having a few photos in your 'bag of tricks' you can use them for any of the above ideas. Here are a few more recent photos:

Value of a Journal

The past week I have really started to journal again. I had forgotten, or perhaps lost appreciation for the art.

As a teen, I used to write and journal daily. It helped me focus, express myself, sort my ideas and thoughts.

This week, I have used it to deal with my feelings around tragedy, my goals both professionally and personally, as a way to brainstorm and sort ideas to share with colleagues, and as a tool with students and my own daughter to express what is on their mind.

Students who use journals are actively engaged in their own learning and have the opportunity to clarify and reflect upon their thinking. When students write in journals, they can record such things as ideas and feelings, special words and expressions they have heard, interesting things that have happened to them or information about interesting people. Journal writing offers students opportunities to write without fear often associated with marking. Every journal entry is individualized.

Check out these strategies for using journals in the classroom

Here is another great resource with things to consider if you want to use journals in the classroom and ways to use them.

As a TTOC, having a writing prompt, journal or discussion point can be a great idea! Allow students to write then share (I always give the option to pass)

We use this strategy in our mentoring program for new teachers and TTOCs, we always start with a 5 minute quiet write and then allow the participants to share out or pass. It helps us as mentors see where the participants are at and guide our meeting, as well as gives everyone a chance to "vent" or let out their feelings.

I am learning to re-appreciate the value of writing and journals as I use it in my classroom, with my colleagues and for my own personal reflection.

Writing Prompts and Mini-lessons for June 1

Tomorrow is June 1st... and it is a Friday...

It seems nowadays there is some kind of holiday or celebration every day of the year. June starts the countdown to the end of the school-year (okay, so some started their countdown weeks ago) but as a TTOC it is nice to have some kind of writing prompt of mini-lesson handy, especially during the chaotic month of June.

To kick off June 1st, here are some ideas:

1. National Doughnut Day in the USA is June 1st:

National Doughnut Day is on the first Friday of June each year, succeeding the Doughnut Day event created by The Salvation Army in 1938 to honor the women who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.

* Try: The Teachers Corner Writing Prompt to write about donuts as a breakfast food, or a favourite breakfast food. Or Cut out paper donuts and decorate them, or have them write a poem about donuts on the shape.

2. International Children's Day is celebrate June 1 in China, and some other countries:

Children's Day is celebrated on various days in many places around the world, in particular to honor children. Major global variants include a Universal Children's Day on November 20, by United Nations recommendation.^[1] Children's Day is often celebrated on other days as well.

*Try Reading: Barefoot Books: Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush which looks at children around the world and their different ways to do their morning routines.
3. Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street celebrates his birthday:

June 1st is Oscar the Grouch's birthday - the day when he is at his absolute grouchiest. In episode 3866 of Sesame Street, after Oscar reads a birthday card from his mother, and after hearing Oscar tell the viewers that it was his birthday, Telly Monster tried to give Oscar a grouchy birthday party, something that Oscar thought he couldn't do. In the end, however, Oscar was proved wrong. He received many grouchy rotten gifts.

*Try: Writing about what makes you feel grumpy, or how you deal with a bad day.