Writing Committee

November 5, 2002 

In attendance:        Dana Banton, Lynda Davis, Mary Jane Kinman, Sue Kolka, Julie Pearman 

Discussed: 

Writing Portfolio Update: 

• Personal Narratives--all students working on this piece, which was the first one started this year*

• How-to-Pieces--(Art connection) clay pieces being made in all 4th grades; communication with Ms. Fisher;  teachers are doing other pieces in their individual classrooms, depending on what students have discussed, created, etc. (making birdfeeders, decorating pumpkins, etc.)

• Persuasive Writing--Thanksgiving theme will be implemented this month:  "Should your family eat a pig or a turkey for Thanksgiving?"

• Literary Writing--some teachers are introducing students to the various forms of this genre

• Feature Articles--Amy Ford has been utilizing worksheets that are preparing students to effectively use "Word" when they write/type in Technology/Writing Labs.  In January, Ms. Ford will begin her lessons on this genre in Technology classes.  Stacie Musgrave will complement these lessons with her own on correct bibliography format, etc.

Focus/Reminders:

• Continue to read examples and analyze characteristics of different writing genres.  (Many books available in our classrooms that illustrate the above)

• Model appropriate use of "constructive criticism" among our peers.

• Utilize "Weekly Reader" articles to model good writing pieces.

    *At Wendy's for lunch, all 4th grade teachers shared a personal experience, using plenty of descriptive and expressive language and vivid verbs.  We kept our audience and purpose in mind, and were very focused.  A good time was had by all!