5th Grade Writing Center
In my classroom I am going to have a designated area for writing. This can be a work station for students where they can find supplies, ideas, and space to write. They can stay organized by keeping their writing portfolios here.
Students will create individual writing folders in the beginning of the year. Included in the the 3 sided folder will be descriptions, rubrics, and self-assessments of the 6+1 traits of writing, (organization, voice, word choice, ideas, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation). I am including rubrics on the traits of writing so my students will know my expectations of their writing. Also, students will have their own personal word wall in their writing folders to learn vocabulary and use juicy words in their writing.
Students will meet with me one on one during their writing center time to discuss their writing progress and goals. I think it is very important to find time to meet with students individually so the teacher can focus on the student's needs. For fifth grade I like the idea of writing conference's because it is the students responsibility to complete their writing tasks and self-assess themselves then once they have completed that we can talk about weaknesses and strengths they found. My goal is for my writing conferences to be student led.
I want to implement class journals for writing prompts at the writing center. These books can be ongoing throughout the year and motivates students to have fun with writing! The class journals are a fun, writing tool because students can be creative and show their voice. Students enjoy writing in classroom journals because they know it will be read by their classmates. The purpose of classroom journals is to teach students how to use their creative voice, build writing stamina and community in the classroom.
The 6+1 traits of writing will be my classes concentration while writing during center time. These traits are what I believe makes an extraordinary writer. I want my students to focus one writing trait at a time, starting with the one they need to develop most in. The 6+1 traits of writing will help them succeed with standardized testing and prepare them for middle school!
Here is a slideshow of everything I dream to include during writing centers throughout the school year. Feel free to leave comments if you have any advice for my 5th grade writing center! Thank you!
Resources: www.writingfix.com, http://www.teachersnotebook.com/product/blair.falldine/evidence-posters