[KSgirl]

I need help- 2nd year teacher. I never really "learned" how to grade writing. What I did last year was made writing specific rubrics, reviewed them with the students prior to the writing assignment, gave each student a copy, and then graded off of that.

Unfortunately, my school schedule doesn't really allow for a ww format- I feel like my students aren't always getting authentic writing time, however, I am planning on having more experiences this year for that- where there are more options.

Anyhow, is this how you usually grade writing? Thanks!

[melzteach]

I try to incorporate some type of WW format into my schedule every year, some years it is more difficult than others.

I use a rubrics to grade my students writing assignments, as well. You could do a series of mini lessons going over each component of the rubric. That way students aren't too overwhelmed while writing their pieces; they can focus on one element at a time.

What grade do you teach? How much time do you think you'll be able to devote to teaching writing?

[luv2cook]

We use a rubric and have found that co-grading also is a big help. If you have another teacher at your grade level it's helpful to sit down and alternate between his/her students and yours. I think it keeps things on the up and up and prevents some biases -unintentional - from creeping in as you grade.

[Dr Seuss fan]

I use rubrics that are specific to that writing style. I teach 6th grade, so I hold them accountable for some things automatically. For instance, when we write personal narratives at the beginning of the year, I hold them accountable for caps/end marks, complete sentences (subject and verb), 5-8 sentences per paragraph, time order words, indenting, and having a cluster, a rough draft, and a final draft. All of those elements would expected. I don't count off for spelling because we are still learning...

[KSgirl]

5th grade. My total Lang. Arts time is 90 minutes daily. I outlined the year- planning 1 major writing project a month, which isn't nearly enough (meaning I would LOVE to do ww, but lack time- we are departmentalized) so I really have 1 week a month. I wish that I could incorporate writing daily, but I just don't see how it could work. Our school is really focused on guided reading - we have to use much of the time for small groups.

Thanks for your input. How do you work out your schedule so that you get writing in often?

[mimi6]

We only have 60 minutes for reading and writing so it's a struggle every day...I always feel like I'm cheating one or the other

[Nu Teacher]

Does anyone have an example of a 6th grade writing rubric that I could look at? I'm new to 6th and I'm not sure where they should be.

[melzteach]

I found this site earlier today...what a find!
http://sacpsi.org/rubricshowc.cfm?co...s&xsite=sacpsi

[silpada girl]

any chance you have your outline on line for writing projects on line. I would love to see what other 5th grade teachers do for writing