Writing Topics

This webquest is to teach students how to generate ideas for writing.  It will take 7-10 days depending on how quickly your students complete the work.

Standards

Vermont State: Writing Standards
Writing Grade Expectations: Grade 2
Standard 1.5: Writing Dimensions-Writing Process
W2: 1 Students use prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and critiquing to produce final drafts of written products.

Standard 1.6: Writing Conventions
W2: 2 In independent writing, students demonstrate command of appropriate English conventions by…
• Using capital letters for the beginning of sentences and names
• Using correct end punctuation in simple sentences (e.g., period)
W2: 3 In independent writing, students demonstrate command of conventional English spelling by…
• Correctly spelling grade-appropriate, high-frequency words
• Correctly spelling past tense (three sounds for -ed) and plural endings (-s and -es), with no alterations required, on common vocabulary
• Giving a readable and accurate phonetic spelling for words that have not been taught
• Representing each sound heard in a word with a feature of print
• Correctly spelling phonetically regular words with short vowels, consonant digraphs and blends, silent e
 words

Standard 5.18: Structures of Language
W2: 4 Students demonstrate command of the structures of the English language by…
• Distinguishing between letters, words, and sentences
Standard 1.19: Research
Informational Writing: Reports
W2: 8 In reports, students organize information by…
• Using a given organizational structure (e.g., template, frame, graphic organizer)

W2: 9 In reports, students effectively convey a perspective on a subject by…
• Restating a given focus/controlling idea on a topic (purpose)
W2: 10 In reports, students demonstrate use of a range of elaboration strategies by…
• Including details/information relevant to topic and/or given focus
Technology – NETS for Students:
1. Creativity and Innovation
Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students:
a. apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes
b. create original works as a means of personal or group expression
c. use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues
d. identify trends and forecast possibilities
2. Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students:
a. interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments
and media
b. communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats
c. develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures
d. contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems

3. Research and Information Fluency
Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students:
a. plan strategies to guide inquiry
b. locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media
c. evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks
d. process data and report results
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Students:
a. identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation
b. plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project
c. collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions
d. use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions
5. Digital Citizenship
Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. Students:
a. advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology
b. exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity
c. demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning
d. exhibit leadership for digital citizenship
6. Technology Operations and Concepts
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:
a. understand and use technology systems
b. select and use applications effectively and productively
c. troubleshoot systems and applications
d. transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies

Credits

Resources Cited:
Story generator:
http://www.funenglishgames.com/writinggames/story.html

Story starters:
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/story-starters/
http://www.classroomjr.com/category/worksheets/story-starters/
http://www.meddybemps.com/9.700.html
http://www.escapadedirect.com/storystarters.html


Forms of writing:
http://library.thinkquest.org/J001156/forms%20of%20writing/formwriting.htm

Images from:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLSpfOhLOfI/Th0VPCIwa-I/AAAAAAAAA98/4f_jKPq7FMk/s1600/rubric.gif
boston.mommypoppins.com
cltbuzz.com
http://mommyblues.wordpress.com/category/childrens-needs/
itthing.com
kbarnstable.wordpress.com
kidsinventnigeria.com
northshorekid.com
thediaryofadivinediva.wordpress.com

Digital Photo Story Rubric:
http://in-service.cesu.k12.vt.us/modules/groups/homepagefiles/gwp/1556877/2101818/File/scenarios/Grade2-Writing-Narrative.pdf

Other

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.