- Assigned on Monday Night---due Wednesday Morning
- Yellow 3-tab folder
- 2 dividers inside
- Resource Tab
- Rubric
- Word Wall Chart
- References for writing (transitions, adjectives, phrasing)
- Guidelines (Title paper, date, # of paragraphs, etc)
- Projects Tab
- Blank lined writing paper
- As the year went on my expectations grew higher (multiple paragraphs, on topic, word choices)
- I use a rubric and put a letter grade, but the grade never goes into the grading book, as I know parents are supporting at home.
- I never discourage parent support with these unless I can tell the parent wrote the entire assignment. I know parents are giving great support at home with writing organization and paragraph use. I encourage it so they are able to do the independent work with me in class.
Being new to third grade this past year, I had my checklist set at the beginning of the year. By October, I needed to raise the bar and set higher standards, so don't mind the correction on there! hehe!
I tried this first with my 2nd graders during the second semester. They did really well, but I tried with a notebook, and they didn't hold up very well by the end of the year. When I looped up with my class, I continued to the Monday Night Writing Prompt homework, but I used a yellow folder instead. I am so glad I did the folders because papers do not fall out and they can stand the wear-tear of going to and from school.
I go back and use the rubric I provided them with to grade their work. I never actually put it in the gradebook as I know many students are getting too much help and others aren't getting enough help at home. I always write comments, so they know I am reading their work and taking it seriously.
I get easily frustrating trying to find prompts to use. I worry I am giving them too many narratives and that I am not keeping track of the types of prompts I have given them. I finally created prompt task card file where it helps me coordinate which types of writing I have given them. This has helped a lot and my students always love guessing which type of writing I am giving them for homework! There are 150 prompt tasks cards total (50 Narratives, 50 Opinions, 50 Informative/Explanatory Texts, & a few blank cards to create your own).
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I really believe in this method and will continue giving writing homework this week. I only give homework I believe students can benefit from. My parents commented by the end of the year and even the following year as I looped up with many of the students on how much better their writing has gotten. I saw a lot more confidence in my class when they were given independent writing activities as well. Now, I know what you're thinking...I did give other homework as well. My students didn't luck out as their only piece throughout the week. My breakdown was as follows:
Monday: Writing prompt & differentiated math fact practice (based on their skill level: add, sub, or multiplication)
Tuesday: Reading passage (to prepare for standardized tests) & math skill sheet (based on current skill) & reminder to bring Writing folder back tomorrow!
Wednesday: Re-read weekly story and answer a response to literature question; Study for spelling test
Thursday: Problem Solving worksheet & study for vocabulary, daily math review tests
Friday: Bring back signed Citizenship Folder (log) for Monday morning
I don't have parents complain as I try to differentiate where it is needed throughout the week, so parents know their child is getting what they need!
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