WRITING
​Will it be easy? No.
Worth it? Absolutely.
WRITING FOCUS
​ During the seventh grade, students will work through the writing process, using peer review to improve their work. Sometimes students struggle with the difference between fact and opinion and may need guidance to back up their opinions with well-researched facts. Students will learn about the importance of evidence and research needed to support their essays.
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RACES
What is RACES?
Restating the question, Answer the question Citing examples from the text, then Explain how the EVIDENCE from the text supports your answer, and Summarize your claim.
RACES Template
Students are encouraged to use evidence-based terms when responding to questions and introducing evidence. These terms serve as a spring board to student responses and often are the jumpstart students need to guide their written responses.
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The five basic evidence-based terms are as follows:
1. According to the reading (author, chapter, text).....
2. For instance.....
3. From the reading I know that.....
4. The author stated.....
5. It said on page.....
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Writing Standards
Multiple worksheets that address writing standards
Argument Writing
ELAGSE7W1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
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Informational Writing
ELAGSE7W2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
Power Point
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Narrative Writing
ELAGSE7W3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
Narrative Writer's Toolbox Guide
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1st/3rd 9 weeks focus: Narrative & Informative/Explanatory
An Informative/Explanatory essay teaches or informs your reader about a subject. This type of essay can explain how something works, how to perform a task, the steps in a procedure, or why something is the way it is. Ultimately, the reader should have a better understanding of the subject after reading your paper.
http://secondarysolutionsblog.com/writing-informativeexplanatory-essays/
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2nd/4th 9 weeks focus: Argumentative
The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.
Resources used in class:
How to write an introduction tutorial
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https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/724/1/
Letter to the editor template/letter generator
Power point for letter to the editor
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YOUTH-LED DISCUSSIONS AND COLLABORATION
It is the key to learning and engaging students to be active. Interaction requires the student to work with learning content. Interaction is needed for navigation and exploration of learning content, to get feedback after assessment, but communication with peers or teachers is the ultimate interaction.
Organize your ideas, concepts, and information by using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect.
Peer Editing
High Five Strategies
Introduction Paragraph
Develop and strengthen your writing by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. Keep in mind to consider your purpose and audience during the planning stage. Peer editing consists of compliments, corrections, and suggestions as we partner to fine tune writing assignments.
Conclusion Paragraph
Body Paragraphs
Graphics
Multimedia
Letter to the Editor
Charts and tables are valuable visuals aids that lend support to your topics.
Additional Information:
Student Examples of annolighting in a workbook or an Article of the Week
Paired Passage #2 "Birmingham"
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Creatively use videos, audio clips, and music to enhance your presentations.