Reading-Writing+Development

Reading/Writing


 * 9 year olds**

Reading
 * continue working in reading groups
 * tackle assignments that involve beginning research tasks and use of related reading material
 * intensively develop dictionary skills introduced at earlier ages
 * volunteer to read orally during read-aloud
 * explore poetry seriously throughout the year

[|Jimmy's Treasure]

Writing
 * readiness for emphasis on first draft and revision process; ability to absorb teaching about descriptive writing, character development, plot, and believability, frequent episodes of "writer's block"
 * Spelling: improving use of dictionary, improving first draft spelling; fewer mistakes in subject writing; readiness for weekly spelling tests
 * Handwriting: increasingly fluent cursive; beginning use of cursive in day-to-day assignments

[|My Sandwich! Yum!]


 * 10 year olds**

Reading
 * Read, memorize, and recite poetry, do choral readings, put on plays
 * read independently and indulge their desire to devour one book after another; read more and do fewer book projects
 * enjoy comic books

Writing
 * readiness to write lengthy chapter books, longer poems, first research papers-all usually filled with light and descriptive language; more frequent use of humor; more use of dialogue; description of realistic interaction between characters.
 * Spelling: enjoy memorizing how to spell difficult words and using the words, properly spelled, in day-to-day writing.
 * Handwriting: fluent cursive

[|Spelling List]


 * 11 year olds**

Reading
 * take on week long reading assignments
 * do more non-fiction reading tied to subjects that interest them
 * read biographies
 * read to children in younger grades

Writing
 * willingness to practice; revision can be a struggle
 * writing that incorporates personal interests is more adult-like in plot
 * much enjoyment of poetry writing, cartooning, and journaling
 * Spelling: Ease and accuracy for some children, with most enjoying the challenge of spelling difficult words
 * Handwriting: functional cursive for most

[|Justin Bieber Biography]


 * 12 year olds**

Reading
 * begin reading newspapers and magazines for current events information
 * read trilogies and book series
 * recognize and discuss formal aspects of fiction--setting, character, etc.
 * complete research reports based on readings from several sources
 * learn library skills; work with an atlas, do computer searches, etc.

Writing
 * increased ability with revision, particularly when changes result from peer conferences; interest in writing biographies and autobiographies, brief essays about world concerns such as racism, poverty, and environmental issues.
 * Spelling: functional for most; spell checkers help those continuing to have trouble
 * Handwriting: functional cursive for most; all are ready to use the computer to write; pleasure in practicing handwriting by letters, invitations, and thank-you notes, some interest in calligraphy.

[|Thank You]