A1 When you're grading an essay holistically, you are looking for an overall impression instead of breaking it down into just the sum of its parts. #reThinkELA
A2 The 6+1 traits are based on this book: https://t.co/7lRbNLKAbi It gives the teacher and students a common language in which to discuss the elements -- traits -- of writing. #reThinkELA
I have a list of The Walking Dead Words that Ss get rid of in their first draft. This list includes words such as you and things. I tell them that these words are used in everyday language, but they make your writing dead. #rethinkELA
#rethinkela A2: Again, the Ss are looking on how to improve the content, organization, and word choices in their piece of writing. Ss need to understand the writing process and practice, practice, and practice it. We have to get them away from the one-write fits all essay tests.
A2 I also think we need to get them away from the idea that you have to be good at spelling and other conventions to be a writer. Even Wilson Rawls was bad at editing and he wrote Where the Red Fern Grows. #reThinkELA
A3 I think using the language in 6+1 Traits helps teachers communicate what needs to be revised or edited. I also think that siting with a student and going over at least a portion of their writing with them helps immensely. #reThinkELA
And we definitely have to get them away from the one and done mentality. In order for them to write well, they have to write multiple drafts. #reThinkELA
#rethinkela A3: I use a revision checklist where Ss make sure that they use citations correctly, that the sources match the works cited page, that they get rid of the Walking Dead Words, and that they make sure the thesis statement matches the essay.
I've broken my checklist into two. The revision one covers ideas, organization, voice. The editing one covers sentence fluency, word choice, conventions and presentation. This helps me grade students on their storytelling first, not their mechanics. #reThinkELA
#rethinkela A4: Introduction with a thesis statement, essay organize according to thesis statement, a transitiion & topic sentence for each main point, details before & after the citation, correct MLA format, & end with a conclusion, leavevthe reader with something to remember.
A4 I create two rubrics and checklists: The first is for revision and it covers ideas, organization and voice. This method has helped me "discover" some amazing writers in my classes. Then I work with them on the editing. #rethinkela
A5 I have my students write a rough draft, and then I conference with them at least once before they submit a rough draft for a holistic grade. #reThinkELA
#rethinkela A5: The revising process belongs to the Ss first; they use the revision checklist and mark up their paper or use sticky notes. I may have them revise at least two times, but I tell them that any piece of writing can be revised over and over again.
I have them revise, seek peer review and then work in another holistic grade. I know this takes a lot of time, but good writing does. #rethinkela Sometimes I don't always get to all the steps either though.
#rethinkela A6: As I grade for content, I make a list of grammatical mistakes that I see. I show Ss the mistakes and how to make corrections. The top mistakes are run-on sentences, fragments, and incorrectly using the colon.
I have tried that idea before. We have to get Ss to take charge of their editing. If they can recognize the mistakes and know how to make corrections, then they can apply that skill to taking the English portion of the ACT test, which emphasizes editing skills. #rethinkELA
A7 I love @GoogleForEdu! We use Classroom and Docs, so I can comment on student work directly in their document -- live as they're working. I try to be careful with that though as it makes some students nervous. #rethinkela
A7 I have also discovered I need to be careful about using suggestion mode. Some students will just accept all the corrections I suggest without question. I want them to own their writing! #rethinkela
#rethinkela A7: My Ss use Google Docs; they share their papers with me. I go in while they are typing and make comments. I had one Ss use grammarly; It helped her edit/revise a paper. Ss need to know what tech to use so that they can learn the information and receive more help.
A4. Please Share! I just re-did all my Composition rubrics trying to synthesize my favorite elements from multiple sources— OAS, ACT, NCTE, 6 Traits, etc. #reThinkELA
Q8 What are your thoughts on providing a holistic grade that does not account for mistakes in conventions and presentation before grading for those editing errors? #reThinkELA
A8 Grading holistically first helps students see that telling a story, imparting information, or convincing someone is not just about conventions. It's about the ideas and organization first. I tell my Ss:That's what they make editors for... #reThinkELA
A8 I also tell my students what my editor at the newspaper told me. A writer is only as good as her editor. Then I tell them since I'm their editor, they must all be great writers. Hehe! #reThinkELA
#rethinkela A8: I want my Ss to know that writing is not just putting ideas on a paper for a grade; I want them to love writing. We have Ss who have lost the idea of what writing really means. As Ss get older, they may become better editors.
A9 I am not a fan of grading. Too many students judge their own value based on the number or letter they get on the paper. Some of them shut down because of it -- whether it's a A and the paper can't get better, or an F and they think they can't do better. #reThinkELA
And even if they don't become better editors, if they can tell a great story, or convey important information, they can hire editors. Or bribe them with chocolate. LOL! #rethinkela
#rethinkela A9: Ss go through the process of writing and revising. They receive other opinions from peers or me. They need that feedback so that they can grow was writers and see how writing is important.
#rethinkela A9: Ss go through the process of writing and revising. They receive other opinions from peers or me. They need that feedback so that they can grow was writers and see how writing is important.
A10 Contrary to the opinions of some people, I think personal narratives are very important. These stories are how we connect as human beings. These narratives can also be embedded in other modes of writing. #rethinkela
#rethinkela A10: That is a question my department will have to discuss. If we get Ss ready for Comp I & Comp II at Cameron, it may be the definition, compare/contrast, narrative, rhetorical analysis, and argumentative essays. Even 9th graders need to write some of these essays.
I've discovered that writer's conferences are most effective for me in working alongside young authors. Clarifying what I thought they were saying, asking "tell me more about that..." and just seeing the light shine through! Not to mention that immediate feedback! #reThinkELA
I love writers conferences! I love the process of sitting down with a student and working with them directly on their writing and seeing how happy they are when they see their writing get better right before their eyes #rethinkela
