Writer's Notebook

Writing Workshop

       Writing with purpose and for an audience gives "vision" to fifth grade writers.  It comes from the head and the heart. Writing involves  brainstorming, planning, rereading, and changing. The writing process takes time.  Fifth graders use a writer's notebook to record ideas, observations, and memories.  They make a handbook as they learn about writing genres, principles, and the conventions of writing. Their writing workshop begins with a mini-lesson.  Students then write independently using the techniques presented to them and conference with the teacher about their writing.  Group meetings include discussions about the writing process and celebrations of accomplishments.  Word study and spelling are also integral parts of language arts.  Fifth graders, immersed in language and literature, make it their own.  They write toward their "vision" and revise using the crafting lessons they have been taught.  Fifth graders' final pieces will be published and shared.   

Guidelines for Writing