The sixth graders I have the privilege of teaching each day come from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. They are the sons and daughters of migrant farm workers, business owners, unemployed mothers, police officers, and entrepreneurs. They live in a remote community surrounded by mountains on four sides where wildlife is abundant and internet service is scarce.
These bright students fill the brick halls of our 1970 school building with laughter and learning.
They thrive through our cold northern winters and cherish the outdoors even when the snow piles high. These are students familiar with the realities of rural living, accustomed to farm chores, and "making do" when things get tight. I am proud of the work these students produce and the cheerful expectation with which they meet each day. I want our classroom to be a refuge where success is expected and disappointment rare.
My Project
Collaborative learning through writer's workshop is made easier when helpful supplies are readily available. Much of what makes writer's workshop such an effective method of improving students' composition skills depends on the organization and supplemental supplies. Most students bring one binder for multiple classes and these binders rapidly become disorganized and cluttered. For maximum benefit, students need binders that can be dedicated to writing, regularly organized and always accessible. Binder tabs will be used to organize our writing binders for maximum efficiency. Binders that can be set up and kept in class give students a place to organize notes, handouts, drafts, and meeting records for regular writing support.
While binders give students a place to organize and record learning, the use of highlighters and Post-it notes facilitates collaboration between writers.
Students use highlighters to edit both their own and each other's work. Colored highlighters allow students to easily identify possible errors in spelling and grammar, as well as areas that need revision in craft and content. Color-coded highlighter editing minimizes editing time and maximizes its effectiveness. Post-it notes are used to organize writing and make more specific suggestions on each other's drafts. Post-it note suggestions keep writing neat while offering detailed suggestions. Organized writing binders, colored highlighters, and Post-it note pads are integral tools for any successful writer's workshop.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Blackmore and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
