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Real World Writing: A Strategy for Developing Ideas

Main Core Tie

English Language Arts Grade 9-10
Writing Standard 10

Additional Core Ties

English Language Arts Grade 9-10
Writing Standard 4

English Language Arts Grade 9-10
Writing Standard 5

Time Frame

1 class periods of 45 minutes each

Life Skills

  • Thinking & Reasoning
  • Communication

Authors

KIM RATHKE

Summary

Real-world writing allows students and teachers to connect the dots between writing in the classroom by classifying writing into six areas: Express and Reflect; Inform and Explain; Evaluate and Judge; Inquire and Explore; Analyze and Interpret; Take a Stand/Propose a Solution.


Materials

Writing materials


Background for Teachers

Attachments

The writing grid can be used as the basis for yearlong writing projects based on student interest. It can also be adapted and used with content instruction for science, social studies, and the arts.

This strategy also enables students to learn transitions within a paper, research and inquiry strategies, and reflective writing.


Student Prior Knowledge

Students need to be able to read and write.


Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will generate ideas for writing and be able to incorporate specific details in projects.


Instructional Procedures

Model each of these writing strategies with students before assigning individual writing. Writing with your students helps them learn the process of writing.

  1. Students select a topic of interest.
  2. Using the topic of interest, students complete the "One Topic = Eighteen" grid.
  3. After completing the grid, students work on one writing topic at a time, beginning with Express and Reflect. This narrative writing strategy allows students to explain why the topic interests or to share a personal experience that relates to the topic they've selected
  4. Students then complete various writing assignments using the grid as the outline for their written projects


Extensions

The writing grid can be used as the basis for yearlong writing projects based on student interest. It can also be adapted and used with content instruction for science, social studies, and the arts.


Assessment Plan

This is a prewriting strategy. Completion of the graphic organizer or its application to final projects could be used for assessment.


Bibliography

Gallagher, Kelly. Write Like This: Teaching Real-World Writing Through Modeling & Mentor Texts. Stenhouse: Portland, 2011


Created: 05/23/2013
Updated: 02/05/2018
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