Writing

= Writing Instruction =

==In third grade, explaining one's thinking through well-organized writing is a key skill. Students will engage daily in writing as they learn the writing process, including planning, drafting, revising, editing, and polishing. Students will write primarily to text-based prompts. Instruction is differentiated as we teach in whole group, small group, and individual settings.==

Skills Block: Vocabulary, Spelling, Grammar
==Literacy Teachers at Steck are using a resource called __Daily Language Instruction__ as part of their instruction in Writing. DLI teaches grammar rules and mechanics. I will introduce one new skill each week, reinforce the weekly skill each day of that week, and review past skills. DLI also includes an assessment each week. The goal is to have these skills transfer to students' daily writing.== ==Weekly spelling lists (from Houghton Mifflin) complement grammar instruction. Each spelling list has both core words and high frequency words. Core words come from spelling patterns based on grapho-phonics. High Frequency words are intended for review and maintenance of words that are used frequently in daily writing.==

==A spelling test will be given every Friday. Please help your child practice their words every night so they are prepared for the test (see spelling practice ideas on the Parent Resources Page). Sentence dictation will also be given every Friday. Dictation is intended to reinforce the spelling patterns and cement the grammar skills into their daily writing. In order to support your child with spelling, word work and grammar, please give them written practice tests through out the week. Have the student rewrite any misspelled words at least three times. Also make sure they understand the meaning of the word and how to use the word correctly in a sentence.==