Writing

 **Writers Working Toward Success**

Each February, fifth graders across the state participate in the Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing. This assessment is a challenging task for the students, and we work throughout the school year in preparation for it. The ADAW assesses the students on three modes of writing: Narrative, Descriptive, and Expository. The students are given a prompt on one of the three modes and are expected to compose a complete piece within 50 minutes.

In addition to completing the piece within the allotted time, students are expected to show organizational skills, give clear and concise ideas, effectively use grammatical/mechanical skills, and articulate author's voice within their writing.

 Writing Camp 2009 In February, our students participated in a special, camping-themed day designed to motivate them for the upcoming ADAW. Students were encouraged to come in their "camp clothes" and were engaged throughout the day in writing activities. We began our day with our "Camp Kickoff" which brought all of the fifth graders together in the gym to share ideas about traits of excellent writers. Students broke off into groups and had a unique opportunity to work with students from other homerooms throughout the day. To bring our camp day to an end, all of the students gathered together to share what they had learned and enjoy delicious S'mores!

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