I would like some ideas for my writing folders. As I teach writing throughout the year, the handouts that students keep to utilize when they write are kept in a writing folder organized by the 6+ traits. We have many resources from writing prompts and graphic organizers to editing checklists and ideas for presenting. I don't have anything specifically for voice. Word choice lists and dialog rules are filed under Word Choice. What resources would you have for upper elementary students that would help them with them with their "Voice"?
I've always found voice the most difficult trait to teach, especially for formal writing. In my voice section, I usually include examples of voice from different movies or examples that I have written. Usually with a few lines they can tell me what character I have quoted. I also put in a formal paragraph and not formal paragraph on the same topic. It's hard for them to see the difference, so I make it obvious.
I bought some great folders from Lakeshore for this past school year. They had 4 pockets. 1 each for prewriting, draft, editing and revising. The folder also contained checklists for editing and revising, and lists of suggestions for replacing commonly used words, lists of frequently misspelled words, and so forth. It was for ages 7+. I realize this has nothing to do with your post... however, it does have some ideas for writing folders! (I sort of skimmed the first time!)
Thanks Mopar. That's a good example to remind students to include voice. I appreciate the input MissFroggy. That's exactly what I've put together.
Another great example for voice is taking the same scene and writing it from the perspective of an evil character and the perspective of a kind character, especially if your students understand sarcasm.
What a fun idea! 5th graders would love it. I want their folders to be a tool that will remind them of the strategies we have learned in the classroom. Thanks again.
No problem! That's exactly what I use our writing folders for, but we make things as we learn about them. Another voice lesson that we use with our bullying program is writing a scene from a bullies perspective and from the perspective of the victim.
The book "Voices in the Park" http://www.amazon.com/Voices-Park-DK-Publishing/dp/078942522X is what I use to start to about Voice
Thank you for your feedback! Thank you for taking the time to read my post and give me some feedback. I'll look at your sites and the book you mentioned. I'm getting excited about my writing folder. My goal is for them to build it into a valuable resource that will not only prepare them for their writing assessment, but build them up for middle school as well.
