Do More Shared Writing

Shared writing is something I have done quite often with my students. It is a great way to demonstrate the power of verbs and word choice and how to structure sentence fluency. A favorite shared writing is a class book we create called "How to Get to the Center of the Earth". It is an accumulation of our science unit on the layers of the Earth and rocks and minerals. Students also enjoy creating shared writings about field trip experiences. After reading this chapter, I now have a multitude of ideas that I can easily implement to create more shared writing opportunities for my students. I really liked the idea to create a shared writing about the classroom routines and procedures. What an excellent way to not only set the classroom standards, but to also get the class writing at the beginning of school. State Assessments are fast approaching. A shared writing about "How to Take a Test" or "Great Test Taking Tips" would be a timely writing activity. The next time we do a shared writing, my students will be using their dry erase boards to share their ideas. As this school year comes to a close, I believe that my students and I will create a shared writing on "What Every Third Grader Need to Know about 3rd Grade."