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WAC Activities for Grades K-2
Quick Writes
These are short pieces of writing designed to focus students’ thinking. Teachers can use quick writes to:
- assess prior knowledge before instruction in order to set the stage for new information (ex. create a list of keywords, a list of
questions, 3 things I know/don’t know)
- give students time to write briefly on the day’s topic before
contributing to class discussions.
- pause in the middle of instruction to check for understanding,
or to make connections and predictions.
- summarize main points, form opinions, or reflect on what was
learned after instruction.
- Evaluation tips:
- First, model “incomplete”, “adequate”, and “excellent” responses (check minus, check, check plus). Look for content, quantity, appropriateness, elaboration, etc.
- Assess as complete/incomplete, correct/incorrect, or trade for peer
review.
- Evaluate content only, never for grammar.
Journals or Learning Logs
Journals and logs give students an informal place
to explore and interact with class content. Students can:
- summarize newly acquired knowledge.
- write vocabulary terms in their own words.
- draw what was most interesting or confusing.
- create a list of questions.
- explain math or science problems or terms in writing.
- make connections (between new info and prior knowledge).
- Evaluation tips:
- Define grading requirements.
- Evaluate content only, never for grammar.
- Choose only one part to grade at a time.
- Use notebooks or loose leaf binders to hold work.
- Respond to entries; highlight insights; comment in margins.
Class books
Compiled either from whole group or individual
writing, students can:
- write in response to a shared experience (e.g. field trips).
- write in response to literature ( favorite books, songs, or poems).
- share newly learned content (e.g. ABC, 123, butterflies,
alliteration).
- Evaluation tips:
- Define grading requirements.
- Model “incomplete”, “adequate”, and “excellent” responses (check minus, check, check plus) Look for content, quantity, appropriateness, elaboration, etc.
- Evaluate content only, never for grammar.
visit other WAC resources:
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