Real Writing Descriptors

    Descriptors of  “Real” Writing 

--a sense of classroom community

--enthusiastic attitudes towards writing

--Loads of time for writing

--Tons of positive feedback

--unlimited opportunities to choose topics

--periodic writing conferences with peers

--writing conferences with the teacher

--perfect spelling ONLY on final drafts

--skills taught IN CONTEXT not ISOLATION

--focus on content first, THEN conventions

--skill practice through WRITING-not worksheets 

--writing on a DAILY basis

--kids working at their own pace

--whole-group/small group mini-lessons

--lots of individual attention

--mini-lessons based on students' needs

--writing for real purposes

--lots of TEACHER MODELING

--kids taking RISKS in writing

--kids reading with a “writer’s eye”

--kids writing with a “reader’s eye”