Writing Workshop 

Almost every day, students spend time writing in their writer’s notebooks.  In these notebooks, students practice strategies that produce quality writing.  Mini-lessons are taught based on the Lucy Calkins, Barry Lane, and Six-Traits curriculums.  Eventually students choose a piece to revise and publish.   This year students will publish personal narratives, a historical fiction piece, a research report, and even a poetry book!  

Personal Narratives 

The first piece students published was a personal narrative.  Each child selected a topic was is important to him/her.  After several mini-lessons on ideas, leads, conclusions, dialogue, and word choice, students drafted and revised their final piece.   

Historical Fiction

Students also published a historical fiction piece.  In fifth-grade, we learn about America’s history, including early colonization.  We take the information on Jamestown and write a historical fiction story told from the perspective of a colonist.

Poetry

Students studied seven different types of poetry and practiced using figurative language.  At the end of this unit they created their very own poetry book.