Transcript Slide 1
Welcome to Writing! MRS. MCGINNIS • I’ve been teaching Writing at YMS for 6 years • I am married and have 3 grown children • I am available for help after school most days and at lunch time • I am sponsor of the YMS Newspaper Club MISS LARSON • I am currently enrolled in the teaching program at Illinois State University. • I am eager to get to know each and every one of your students!!! UNITS OF STUDY • Writing Process • Personal Narrative • Persuasive • Research • Word Roots/Vocabulary • Short Story • Poetry MINI-LESSONS • Mini-Lessons are short grammar and writing craft lessons • Mini-Lesson topics will be chosen based on the needs of the class at that time • Studies show this is the preferred way of teaching grammar and conventions • Students may choose their own personal writing, spelling, and grammar goals for any given assignment RULES OF OUR CLASSROOM • Be respectful of the teacher, each other, and property • Come to class on time and prepared to work • Have a good attitude; be willing to try new things ASSIGNMENT EXPECTATIONS • Prefer typed final papers, but will accept final papers that are written neatly in ink • Students are given class time to write • I will conference with as many students as possible each day • Parents will be contacted within a few days of a missing major assignment ADVANCED WRITING • The focus for advanced students is quality of writing vs. quantity of writing • Advanced students are not necessarily expected to write more, but they are expected to write more in-depth • Focus on insight, reflection, support in writing • More thoughtful assignments HOW PARENTS CAN HELP • Encourage students to write at home • Ask your child if you can read their writing—it can be very creative and entertaining! • Recognize that students do lots of writing: texting, Facebook, blogs, instant messaging… • Purchase a “jump drive” memory device that students can use to move assignments between home and school • Encourage students to read—good readers are generally good writers MY CONTACT INFORMATION • You can call me here at school: 630-553-4544, x. 1116 • E-mail: [email protected] • Check out my Writing Wiki. You can connect to it through the Team Imagine website, or at jmcginnis.pbworks.com