Making Common Core Writing Fun!

Homemade Writing Journals For Students:

The Standard:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.10
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Inspiration:

In my winter courses, we have been discussing the importance of authentic writing in the classroom. In my 5th grade classroom, we have written letters to the Governors of the states that students had researched for social studies. Now we will begin crafting narrative writing in student journals. In these interactive journals, the teacher and peers will comment on content. Students will always know who their audience will be before writing. Those giving feedback will not respond about form or writing conventions, but instead respond to concepts or ideas that the writing is sharing though writing. This will provide an audience for student's writing, as well as give students practice at writing. Inspired by my professor at UC Davis, I decided to make journals for the students,using card stock, printer paper, duct tape, and staples. First, I folded the paper and placed the card stock as the cover. Then, I stapled twice on the edges to create a binding. Finally, I smoothed patterned duct tape over the staples to add a little durability and color. Students will be able to decorate the covers, and then they will write 5 things that they could write about on the inside cover. This will provide inspiration, and remind them that they are experts about some things. I'll model how they might do this, and talk about how the writing process could unfold. I think it will be important to show that as we write more, it becomes easier, and we become better writers. 
Folded, stapled, and ready for duct tape
lining up the duct tape
folding the duct tape over

Ready for writing!

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