Written expression is one of the most important skills a student learns at school. Only reading is of equal or greater consequence. During the school year we will write and illustrate not only with the traditional pencil and pen, but also with modern computer technology.

Publication

Writing is not merely an academic exercise. The creation of meaningful written work is highly important. Therefore, we will often publish our work for distribution to key audiences. In first and second grades we will write in the following ways: letters (formal & informal), E-mail, fiction stories, personal narratives, journals, expository essays, notebooks, special presentations, research reports, and more.

Integration

Writing is used throughout the curriculum and across all subject areas - not just within English language literacy. This is in keeping with the expectations of Washington State Standards.

Students will write during mathematics in order to explain their thinking and problem resolution processes. During science lessons they will record observations and theorize about cause and effect. In the social studies units each student will reflect on the cultures studied and compare them with American culture.

A Note From Mr. Carroll

Writing is the most difficult subject to learn and consequently, the most difficult to teach. 

The brain has evolved over millions of years. And in that time it has adapted to the use of verbal language by creating specialized verbal centers. However, writing skills are divided into specialized sub-skills and then distributed over a wider variety of sections within the cerebrum. Thererfore, establishing links among these diverse sections of the brain requires more time and repetition. In other words, the brain has not evolved specialized reading and writing centers because most humans have not learned these skills until the last two hundred year.

Reading requires the brain to decode content that is already determined, but writing is more complex. Writing requires the brain to generate new content and arrange it in a unique order that corresponds with rules for syntax, grammar, and spelling. Additionally, the needs of the audience must be taken into account. Obviously, learning to write well is extremely complex - much more so than speaking or reading. So, in conclusion, to foster mastery we will be doing a large amount of writing in bith first and second grade. We are laying the foundation for a lifetime of literacy.

The Six Traits

Because writing is difficult to learn, and in order to teach it effectively we must break instruction into manageable concepts. In Seattle schools, as in most districts, writing is taught and assessed according to a set of six essential qualities or traits. These traits can be applied to different forms of writing in different ways, but are consistent in their focus.

Ideas

The student must incorporate subject matter, thoughts, evidence and/or events which are appropriate to the goals and theme of the work. Details about the subject matter are highly important. Unique ideas and experiences aquire and maintain the interest of the reader.

Organization

The piece must be ordered in a logical and interesting manner which lends itself to audience understanding. If the writing is disjointed the main ideas will be lost, and any supporting evidence or interesting detail will be incomprehensable. Connections between points, events, or evidence must be clear and flow naturally.

Voice

This is the trait that informs the audience about the writer’s style, interests, and/or feelings. A strong voice can create a personal tone or quality.

Word Choice

This trait is important because it lends precision to the impact of the written word, and it can create images within the mind of the reader. Word choice clarifies the thoughts and intents of the writer and also helps to create a mood or set a vivid scene.

Sentence Fluency

This trait determines the rhythm and pacing of the piece. It can maintain the readers attention when well executed. Sentence lengths and style should vary so the piece does not leave the audience bored. On the other hand, using nothing but long complex sentences can leave a reader feeling overwhelmed and confused.

Conventions