Writer's+Workshop


 * Dear Parent or Guardian, **

Welcome to Writers’ Workshop, where students continue to develop the seven main components of good writing: • Interesting //ideas//: the meaning and development of the message • Logical //organization//: the internal structure of a written piece • Effective //voice//: the way the writer brings the topic to life • Creative //word choice//: the specific vocabulary the writer uses to convey mean • Smooth //sentence fluency//: the way words and phrases flow throughout the text • Accurate //conventions//: the mechanical correctness of the piece including spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar • Attractive //presentation//: the overall appearance of the work

During the year, my students will be learning all about good writing and focusing on improving these traits in his or her work. We will write in many different genres of writing – such as poetry, non-fiction, short story, memoir, essay, parody, etc. – but all of them involve these same seven traits. In addition, my students will learn what I call “writer’s tools,” learning how to: • Narrow their focus • Dig for details • Write a strong lead paragraph • Explode a dramatic moment • Include snapshots (paint a picture of a setting with words) • Develop thought shots (go inside a character’s or the writer’s thoughts and feelings) • Shrink time (use transition words to flash back or fast forward) • Incorporate strong dialogue (and punctuate it correctly)

As we work on using these tools to strengthen the seven important traits of writing, your child may periodically come home with Student-to-Parent Letters that contains questions about your child’s writing. Your child will ask you to listen as he or she reads a piece aloud and then to answer and discuss the questions in the letter. It’s that simple! By providing a good listening ear and constructive feedback, you can play a crucial role in your child’s success. We are all looking forward to an exciting year of great writing!

Sincerely,

Kelly Cook