Writing takes place in all areas of the curriculum. Students write daily in learning logs, writing folders, or journals. Writing can include a curriculum area of study or a topic of choice. Students are encouraged to write responses to reading on paper and on the computer. By providing many sets of experiences where writing can occur, and by providing direct instruction of writing skills, our teachers support the literacy development of their students.
Teachers make observations during individual conferences and by reading children's writing.
From these observations, teachers determine what students know and what they are ready to be taught next in accordance with the Program of Studies. Shared reading is an important part of an effective reading program because it is a time for direct instruction. Mrs. Bennink uses reading and writing conferences as a strategy to help develop the reading and writing potential in her fifth graders. Small groups of students rotate for conferences while other students work independently on reading assignments or on writing activities. Mrs. Stevens and Miss Saunders help ESL students with vocabulary.