Taking a multi-faceted approach to language arts training equips the student with a comprehensive understanding of language. We recommend on the following three areas to form a strong foundation.
Spelling & Vocabulary – Beginning early on, spelling is taught as part of a reading/phonics program. As the student learns to read more words, his or her vocabulary grows, providing a rich palette of words and phrases to draw from when writing.
Reading – Literacy involves more than merely learning the phonetic rules to sound out words. It means comprehending the meaning of the words and the messages being conveyed. Through active reading, the student’s mind encounters the written worlds and ideas of others. Choosing an array of fiction and non-fiction literature that is age appropriate engages the imagination, develops critical thinking, and expands horizons.
Writing – While writing is a facet of language arts, it is also the culminating activity of the spelling/vocabulary and reading components. Here, the student is finally equipped to express his or her original thoughts in written form. Critical thinking is sharpened as the student articulates his or her ideas on paper and analyzes the work of others in literature. Teaching grammar in the context of good writing connects the mechanical elements to the ultimate goal of communication: sharing a message with others. Students learn that applying proper grammar is simply a tool to increase clarity, efficacy, and readability of the intended message.
]]>Basic Scale - The Basic Scale usually rates the piece on a simple scale of 1-5 or A-E (1/E is low and 5/A is excellent). Each level of the scale may have a description of what is expected for each rating. This system is simple and easy to implement. It provides general feedback for the student and allows the parent to measure progress. It is most appropriate for simple writing assignments and younger students who do not need to be overwhelmed by details.
Categorical Assessment - This method breaks the writing assignment down into overall categories such as Form, Content, and Mechanics. Each category addresses a different facet of the written work. For example, Form covers organization, paragraph structure, transitions, etc., while the Mechanics category includes spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Point values may be assigned per category so the student earns points for good work in each area (i.e. - a 100 point assignment may be broken down as Form = 33 points, Content = 34 points, and Mechanics = 33 points for an easy percentage). The Categorical Assessment provides a moderate amount of detail in feedback and shows the student what areas he or she needs to improve. Yet, it is still fairly simple and easy to apply.
Grading Rubric - The Grading Rubric is the best approach for complex assignments that require a significant amount of assessment to ensure the requirements have been met. A rubric usually consists of a grid with point values assigned to each aspect of the assignment. The student receives a copy of this grid with points filled in and comments based on how well the paper fulfilled each requirement. This assessment strategy is most appropriate for older students who can benefit from a significant amount of feedback and classes with multiple students completing the same assignment to establish fairness.
At Write Foundations, our writing coaches use the Categorical Assessment to provide a structured form for grading all assignments while keeping the feedback straightforward and easy to understand. In addition to assigning points to the categories of Form, Content, and Mechanics, each coach offers corrections and comments within the text of the paper highlighting what the student did well and what needs more work.
]]>Most of us have some idea of where we're going in life and what we want to accomplish, but not very many of us take the time to write it down. However, writing our goals down makes us significantly more likely to reach them. It's amazing how putting pen to paper can make a major difference in what we accomplish.
Writing our goals requires us to think about them in order to articulate them clearly. Further, it gives us the opportunity to reflect on them and revise them when necessary. Goals written down are usually more developed, more intentional, and more defined than those that merely float around in our heads. Plus, they serve as a reminder of what we set out to do. If our goals don't find a home in the written word, they are easily forgotten. In fact, they may not be goals at all, merely wishes.
As we kick off the school year, parents and students alike will benefit from taking some time to write down their goals. What do you hope to accomplish this year? What is the big picture your goals fit into? How will this year's goals move you toward future goals? As you consider these questions and write out your goals, you may want to use the SMART approach.
Experts on goal-setting often use the acronym SMART to identify aspects of effective goal writing.
S - Specific: Define your goal using specific words so you know exactly what you are aiming for.
M - Measurable: How will you know when you get there?
A - Attainable: Make sure your goal is within reach.
R - Relevant: Does your goal align with the big picture, vision, or God-given purpose for your life?
T - Time-based: Set a realistic date to reach the goal. Every worthy endeavor needs a deadline!
Choose a few areas of your life and write down your goals. You may write them down in a journal or on notecard to keep in your purse or wallet. Review them regularly to stay focused. Finally, celebrate your achievement when you reach a goal and check it off the list!
]]>Handwriting a note or a letter may seem old-fashioned to some, but there are benefits to handwritten letters that are lost in emails or text messages. First, a handwritten letter takes more effort. The fact that a person takes time to compose a letter by hand shows the recipient they are valued.
Second, a handwritten letter is more personal than the computer or cellphone-mediated methods. The writer touches the paper and shares a bit of him or herself in the message and the penmanship. When the recipient reads the letter, he or she may notice things like the smell, smudges on the page, or changes in the writing that show a personal touch.
Third, writing by hand affects the writer's cognitive processing differently than typing does. It encourages self-expression and a bit of artistry in the delivery. Some professional writers even write their manuscripts by hand first because it helps them think about the message in a deeper way.
It is true that technology has provided great opportunities for us to communicate with each other quickly and conveniently. However, let's not forget about the benefits of writing by hand. I urge you to brighten someone's day by taking time to write a handwritten letter.
]]>"Active reading" refers to a process of digging deeper into what you are reading. Five strategies commonly associated with active reading are: question, visualize, predict, connect, and respond. Responding is the part where reading becomes personal. The reader responds in a variety of ways.
In fact, writing is an excellent way to record and enhance responsive reading. Writing may be incorporated into the reading experience in a variety of ways. Taking notes while reading, setting aside time at the end to record thoughts, or choosing a more formal avenue such as a letter to the editor are all excellent ways of incorporating writing into the reading process.
Developing responsive reading skills will make students better learners, better thinkers, and better writers. It is a life skill that will serve them well!
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When students become familiar with the journaling process they will begin to see it as a useful tool helping them get the most out of their studies.