Where the Magic Happens

Engaging resources for your elementary classroom

  • Shop
  • Reading
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Writing
  • Teacher Wellness
  • About Me
  • Terms Of Use
  • Amazon

in Uncategorized

Reflecting About Writing Instruction

ShareTweetPinterestMail

Hey there teacher ,
Welcome to a new week of the Diggin’ Into Next Year series!

slide1introduction

The way I structured the “shared research” with 24 seven year olds.

If you teach the Common Core standards, you know that your students  must *participate in shared research and writing projects.* 
I must confess:
Up until this year I was horrified to tackle this standard. In the past, I found myself helping the children with their shared research about polar animals during the month of January (BIG MISTAKE #1). And I tell you what… the Easter bunny was ready to come out and my students and I were still at it!! SO frustrating!!!  I thought long and hard and I decided that my shared research lacked some serious structure and it needed to be moved to a different time in the year.
slide2changesandwhy

Based on my reflections I made some changes:

  1. Instead of doing the shared research in January, I decided {with the help of my sweet teammates} to move this project to the month of June. Once end of the year assessments were done, and the data showed me that my firsties were quite proficient… then I had a little  more freedom to truly guide my students with the shared research. Instead of researching about polar animals, we researched about ocean animals!
  2. I divided my students into six groups of four and each group {with a team leader} chose an ocean animal.
  3. Once the kiddos were in their groups, I put together “source bags” with different information sources:

IMG_6957[1]

IMG_6958[1]

IMG_6960[1]

IMG_6962[1]

IMG_6964[1]

IMG_6967[1]

4. I also provided my kiddos with writing frames and sections. You can find these frames in my “shared  research for any animal” unit on TpT!

IMG_6917[1]

IMG_6918[1]

IMG_6921[1]

IMG_6924[1]

5. I took the time to CLEARLY explain clear expectations and directions, and used a rubric to outline behaviors, writing, and content expectations as well.

IMG_6963[1]

6. One  of the things that I have learned throughout the years is to provide my writers with an audience. So they really had to go through the writing process to produce a top notch product. They shared their research during our end of the year awards ceremony and authors’ tea. They rocked it!!

slide6relatedproducts


If you are interested, you may take a look at my shared research resource in my TPT little shop.

Leave a Comment

« How to assemble a number line Graham style!!
My first full week of school, anchor charts, giveaway announcement, and just about a million FREEBIES!!! »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

LET’S GET SOCIAL

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
U.S. National Holidays Close Reading
U.S. National Holidays Close Reading
$4.00

Add to cart

Winter Games Close reading
Winter Sports – Winter Games Close Reading- Reading Comprehension
$3.75

Add to cart

Women's History Month Close Reading Passages
Women’s History Month Close Reading Passages
$4.20

Add to cart

Inventors Biographies Close Reading Passages
Inventors Biographies Close Reading Passages
$4.00

Add to cart

Government Reading Comprehension Passages
Government Reading Comprehension Passages
$4.00

Add to cart

Geography Social Studies Passages
Geography Social Studies Passages Close Reading Brochures
$3.25

Add to cart

Asian American Leaders Close Reading passages
Asian American Leaders Close Reading Passages
$4.00

Add to cart

Hispanic Heritage and Latino Leaders Close Reading Passages
$4.25

Add to cart

Kindergarten math centers
BUILD Math Centers for Kindergarten -Bundle
$81.00 $50.00

Add to cart

Community Helpers Close Reading Passages
$4.25

Add to cart

TOP POSTS

Books for Kids About Responsibility
Picture Books to Teach Cause and Effect
Socratic Seminars for Elementary Students
Ten Tips to Ace Your Teacher Interview
Guided Math Workshop Routines that Work
Books About Perseverance for Kids

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP

pinterest

facebook

facebook

Instagram Feed

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No feed found.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

Still Looking for Something?