5L) Writing for genres and audiences
Develop student writing for a variety of genres and audiences, using appropriate content, organization, and style. (elementary only)
Strategy Overview: Exploring Names
This strategy engages children in learning about and writing about their name(s), in reading literature in which a change in a child's name reflects the dynamics of immigration, and presents an opportunity for opinion writing on the issue of name changes. A list of books with themes about names is also included.Read More
Strategy Overview: I am Poems
The portrait, persona, or “I am” poem is an autobiographical and descriptive personal statement. The poems are self-expressive vehicles for students to introduce themselves to others and describe themselves.Read More
Strategy Overview: Name Acrostics
This strategy engages students in writing free verse acrostic poems about themselves using the letters of their names to begin each line. The use of children’s names can bring personal meaning to writing; and valuing children’s names is a part of a strong, respectful classroom community.Read More
Webinar: Using an Equity Lens for Writing Instruction
This webinar frames writing instruction as a means for achieving equitable instruction for Multilingual Learners. Six high-leverage writing practices are introduced and exemplified.Read More
Video: Differentiating Instruction in Writer’s Workshop in a 3rd-Grade Dual Immersion Classroom
A third-grade teacher talks through her implementation of a writer's workshop and her one-on-one conferencing with Multilingual Learners. This allows her to differentiate instruction and accelerate each student's English language learning.Read More
Video: Opinion Writing Strategies for the Second-Grade Classroom
A teacher talks through a sequence of opinion writing lessons in her 2nd-grade classroom. She designs the lessons with multiple opportunities for Multilingual Learners to work with peers, interact, and practice both oral and written language.Read More
Video: Oral Language Development Through Integrated & Designated ELD
This video showcases a series of ELD lessons in a kindergarten class, aimed at preparing Multilingual Learners to orally give and write an opinion. The teacher incorporates both direct instruction and multiple opportunities for students to work with peers.Read More
Strategy Overview: Sentence Fluency Activities for Newcomer ELs
This resource includes a description of six strategies that focus on the sentence level of writing. They support Multilingual Learners to unpack specific language features (syntax, grammar, vocabulary) and engage in more complex writing.Read More
Strategy Overview: Helping Emergent Bilinguals Become Confident Writers
When sufficient supports and intentional instruction are in place, Multilingual Learners can develop into confident writers. In these resources, teachers can read about the dos and don'ts of writing instruction for Multilingual Learners.Read More
Website Article: Culture & Writing With the Common Core- Considerations for English Learners (Part 2)
This article introduces instructional ideas and specific supports that teachers can use to integrate culture into Multilingual Learners' writing to build confidence and motivation.Read More
Website Article: Writing With the Common Core- Considerations for English Learners (Part 1)
This article introduces instructional ideas and specific supports that can help Multilingual Learners access writing across different genres to meet the requirements of Common Core State Standards.Read More
Video: Juicy Sentence Example with Butterflies (K)
This video is an example of a teacher facilitating a "juicy sentence" discussion with a group of kindergarteners learning about butterflies. The juicy sentence strategy helps Multilingual Learners access complex text through the study of a mentor sentence.Read More
Strategy Overview: Juicy Sentence Guidance
This document reviews a strategy to help Multilingual Learners access complex text through the study of a mentor sentence. After selecting a "juicy" sentence, the teacher facilitates explicit discussion about the language structure, word choice, and layers of meaning found in the example.Read More
