Language Arts/English Curriculum Frameworks - Albemarle County ...

use a variety of models such as shared writing, interactive writing, and guided writing or writer’s
workshop.
Shared writing - Teacher and student work together to compose messages and stories; teacher acts
as a scribe.
Interactive writing – Teacher and students work together to compose messages and stories that are
written using a “shared” pen (teacher does some of the writing; students do some of the writing).
Guided writing or Writer’s workshop – Students engage in composing a variety of texts with the
teacher guiding them through the writing process, providing instruction through mini-lessons and
conferences.
Writing is a developmental continuum for students and student chosen topics are a vital part of
learning to write. Nevertheless, teachers must also provide some assigned topics that help children to
develop skills in particular writing genres.
It is expected that teachers will teach grammar within the context of writing instruction. It is also
expected that teachers will seize opportunities in writing to further vocabulary development. Activities
such as a “power word wall” where children produce lists of strong verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and in
general, more vivid words, promote this development.
© ASPIRE K-12, Albemarle County Public Schools, 2003
Appendix B
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