In the 5th grade, we place significant emphasis on writing because it plays a pivotal role in developing important skills for our students. Writing fosters communication, critical thinking, and organizational abilities, all of which are fundamental for academic success. Writing helps students express ideas coherently. Beyond academics, writing encourages self-expression, allowing students to explore creativity and individuality. These skills extend into the real world, where effective written communication is essential. Additionally, strong writing proficiency positively impacts standardized testing outcomes, influencing educational opportunities. BUT….what does this look like in the classroom?
Reading Response Letters
Teaching fifth grade for the first time, I began implementing reading response letters (replacing book reports) and I was completely overwhelmed by the amazing results! Writing back and forth, I formed a special ‘reading bond’ with my students. From these letters, I knew their likes, dislikes, struggles, and tendencies as readers. I was able to recommend certain
books for them, help them identify their ‘just-right’ book level, and I could encourage them to think more deeply about the text they were reading. This resource is my favorite resource yet, and includes all the materials and tips you need to implement reading response letters in your classroom.
books for them, help them identify their ‘just-right’ book level, and I could encourage them to think more deeply about the text they were reading. This resource is my favorite resource yet, and includes all the materials and tips you need to implement reading response letters in your classroom.
On Demand Writing
On-demand writing refers to a writing assessment where students are asked to respond to a prompt within a set timeframe. These prompts (opinion passage-based prompts) often require students to demonstrate their ability to organize thoughts, convey ideas coherently, and apply writing conventions.
With losts of practice SPAMing prompts or breaking them apart, we also spend a ton of time planning and organizing our writing. This can be such a challenge for students, who typically want to jump right in. Planning and organization helps ensure students are responding to the prompt actually asked and ensuring clarity for the reader.
Teaching writing to 90 5th graders, my teaching cohorts and I were desperate for a more equitable and faster way to assess student writing. Students wrote at least one On-Demand piece a week and the grading was killing us. These rubrics were developed to facilitate the feedback process, as well as allow students to see exactly where their piece needed tweaking and where their writing was spot-on. A companion to my On Demand Writing Prompts resource, these rubrics are standards-based and Common Core aligned for 5th grade.
Writing matters because it enhances communication, critical thinking, and self-expression. It’s vital for academic success, applicable in real life, and opens doors professionally. Good writing empowers students, allowing them to share ideas effectively and contribute meaningfully in various aspects of life. So, even when it seems hard, keep going. It matters friends.
I love reading response letters. We carve out special time a few days a week for this and you are ao right; it really creates a special reading bond between the kids and I. Will these work for 3rd graders?
Hope
Teaching with Hope
I was just looking at the we believe posters for my 6th grade classroom!
Steven
teachlikeahero
New 6th grade teacher here. Language Arts. I would love to win any of your resources.
I love everything that you create. I already have the We Believe Posters that I used last year. I have your Reading Response Letters and On Demand Writing Rubrics on my TPT wishlist. Thanks for creating such stellar products that are so user-friendly and visually appealing. Keep up the good work!
This is an amazing giveaway! I TOTALLY LOVE YOUR WE BELIEVE POSTERS! Can't wait to hear the big news, and thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I'm hoping that I'm the Steven that won!!!!! 😀
I hope I'm the Kaitlyn that won-your letters look awesome!
🙂 Kaitlyn
Smiles and Sunshine
I NEED your desk tags! I love them! Are they in your TPT store?
I adore everything you produce. The We Believe Posters from last year are already in my possession. Your On Demand Writing Rubrics and Reading Response Letters are on my TPT wish list. penalty kick online
Whatever you produce, I adore it. I already possess the We Believe Posters from the previous year. My TPT wishlist includes your On Demand Writing Rubrics and Reading Response Letters.
The tracks in Drift Hunters are so diverse and fun to explore. Each one offers a unique challenge to improve your drifting skills.
Thank you for believing in my abilities and for giving me a chance to Smash Karts prove myself.
It’s wonderful to see how you’re emphasizing the importance of writing in 5th grade! Your focus on developing communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills is crucial for students’ academic and personal growth. I love how reading response letters have become such a meaningful way to connect with your students. They not only encourage deeper thinking but also help build strong, personalized teacher-student relationships. It sounds like a fantastic resource that truly enhances the reading experience and promotes self-expression in your classroom!