WRITING
The Reading Writing Workshop is a component of the Houghton Mifflin Reading Program that begins in First Grade, Theme 5, and continues throughout Sixth Grade.
The purpose of the Reading Writing Workshop is:
To guide students through the writing process: Prewriting, drafting, revising, proofreading, publishing
To instruct students in specific writing genres
To apply foundational writing strategies, applications, and conventions
The writing genres spiral throughout the grade levels:
The Reading Writing Workshop (RWW) is found in the Teacher's Edition between Story Selection 1 and 2 in each theme. Each page has a caution-yellow pencil border. The RWW in each theme contains lessons on:
- the genre focus for that theme
- getting organized and planning the writing
- drafting the particular genre
- revising for a specific grammar or content focus
- proofreading pointers
- suggestions for publishing or sharing the completed writing
- a scoring rubric and a student self-assessment checklist
While it appears that the Reading Writing Workshop is an isolated set of lessons in the middle of a theme, optimal implementation of the RWW does not occur in that manner. The RWW is most effective when it is taught throughout the theme, using the principles of Direction Instruction (Orientation, Presentation, Highly Structured Practice, Guided/Semi-independent Practice, Independent Practice).
- During Launching the Theme: The teacher can model the writing project from the theme launch and preteach through Think Alouds, demonstration, or mini-lessons any upcoming RWW skills that are appropriate.
- Level 1- During the first story selection: The teacher provides direct instruction of the lessons in the RWW. Modeling by the teacher on chart paper, an overhead transparency, or a dedicated space on the whiteboard is crucial. The teacher supports the instructions with appropriate "Think Alouds" and students are encouraged to provide input, however the teacher has ultimate control over the writing piece.
- Level 2 - During the second story selection: Using the highly structured practice model, the teacher reviews and/or reteaches the lessons on the RWW pages. Teacher again models each skill, but students apply the lessons to their own individual papers. Techniques such as pair-share and partner conferences are encouraged to help students clarify their thoughts and ideas. For example, asking students to share their topic choice and a rough outline of their story or essay with a partner helps them organize and plan more effectively.
- Level 3 - During the third story selection: Using the guided/semi-independent model, the teacher reviews and/or reteaches the lessons on the RWW pages but students may be asked to complete the writing stages as a Must-Do activity during Universal Access Time. Individual or small groups of students can be pulled during UA time for teacher-student writing conferences to provide critical corrective feedback.
- If there is a fourth story selection in a theme (Second Grade and up only): Depending on how well students did at Level 3, reteaching of the genre's writing process may occur with additional opportunities to practice during instructional time and UA Time; or students can be given an assigment to be done more independently, applying all that they have learned during the previous weeks.
Within the lessons of each Reading Writing Workshop, you will find what looks like a torn-out piece of binder paper. On this "paper" there will be a list of bullets to help guide you and your students through the lesson. Tips for Getting Started, Tips for Organizing a Story, Tips for Developing Plot, Character, and Setting are just a few examples. The one-page posters below feature these Tips along with student-friendly graphics.
First Grade, Theme 5: Personal Narrative
First Grade, Theme 6: Description
First Grade, Theme 7: Story
First Grade, Theme 8: Research Report
First Grade, Theme 9: Friendly Letter
First Grade, Theme 10: Instructions
Second Grade, Theme 1: Story
Second Grade, Theme 2: Description
Second Grade, Theme 3: Friendly Letter
Second Grade, Theme 4: Research Report
Second Grade, Theme 5: Personal Narrative
Second Grade: Theme 6: Instructions
Third Grade, Theme 1: Personal Narrative
Third Grade, Theme 2: Instructions
Third Grade, Theme 3: Story
Third Grade, Theme 5: Description
Third Grade, Theme 6: Persuasive Essay
Fourth Grade, Theme 1: Personal Narrative
Fourth Grade, Theme 2: Description
Fourth Grade, Theme 3: Story
Fourth Grade, Theme 4: Persuasive Essay
Fourth Grade, Theme 5: Personal Essay
Fourth Grade, Theme 6: Research Report
Fifth Grade, Theme 1: Description
Fifth Grade, Theme 2: Personal Essay
Fifth Grade, Theme 3: Story
Fifth Grade, Theme 4: Personal Narrative
Fifth Grade, Theme 5: Research Report
Fifth Grade, Theme 6: Persuasive Essay
Sixth Grade, Theme 1: Personal Narrative
Sixth Grade, Theme 2: Story
Sixth Grade, Theme 3: Description
Sixth Grade, Theme 4: Research Report
Sixth Grade, Theme 5: Personal Essay
Sixth Grade, Theme 6: Persuasive Essay
