Hi! I want to jump into the writing game with my third grade, but not sure where to start. We don't really have a specific writing curriculum. I just fashion together a Writer's Workshop, but I think the game would be a great way to teach and practice specific writing skills. But there's so much there! Suggestions from third grade teachers?
Thanks!
Rand

Hi Rand,
I don't teach third and I have not done the writing game (so basically, disqualifying myself to give you the answers you are looking for, LOL!) however, I would like to suggest that you jump into the genius ladder (see webinar) and oral writing (also webinar). I know you asked about the writing game, so you may already be doing the two things I mentioned, but I felt that it was worth saying just in case. I will be interested to see what others have to say. Honestly, the writing game seemed a little too complicated for me at this point. I would definitely need clarification on where to start!

~Bria

Hi Rand,

Every week I say I am going to start the writing game myself, and we really never get to it. I am doing the genius ladder and oral writing; however, I too get confused as to how to start the game. I know once I get started, it will make sense and go smoother. This is something I am hoping to see in a future Webinar. They did cover it in Phoenix, but I left a day early and missed it all.

Rand,
I started right with the conjunctions and we have worked our way all the way to prepositions this week. I stay focused on the genius ladder for part of speech practice, and oral write and play the writing game for grammar rules, verb agreement, and fluency. I see that some days, my third graders are really hitting the topics with great vigor! All of Sudden, they loose their wind, depending on topic. However, practicing all the given suggestions really creates a nice paradigm for students to build upon.

Heather Hansen
Wbt Intern
2011/12

Hey Heather! Practice, practice, practice is the key. After making the Genius Ladder a short daily lesson in my second grade class every morning, students are becoming more comfortable and automatic in orally constructing Spicy sentences with adders in many subject areas. Using Helpsies and "It's Cool!" to support all our classmates, encourages taking chances and feeling safe doing it! Very powerful!