Kim McCoig

September
1. Describe your approach to composition.  This year I have not done writing with them. I have asked them to write a paragraph that used their reading vocabulary.

2. How often do your students attempt to write each week?  The students are writing daily in their English class.

3. How have you integrated technology into instruction in the past?  I have used Power Point presentations, computer lab for interactive tutorials, and offered students the opportunity to present Power Point presentations.

4. What do you hope to gain from participation in this project?  I hope to gain the knowledge and confidence required to have students writing and using technology as one. With using the computer they seem to pay more attention to what is being presented.  

October
 

1. Describe your class’ positive experience(s) with Four Square writing this past month.

The students enjoyed sharing details about themselves. The format was easy to follow, since they were answering the questions. It was helpful to begin with this type because they are not accustomed to writing in another classroom other than English.

2. How far did your students get with the Four Square method? (4 Square, 4 Square to paper, 4+1, 4+3) Why?

The class did 4+3. In their English class they are using the 4 Square writing method. It was a great opportunity to have them write in another classroom. Usually the students are only writing in English and it will prepare them better for the writing assessment.

3. Have you experienced any problems through your participation in this project this past month? Describe.

I felt a little uncomfortable since someone else had already taught the method. I was afraid I would tell them something wrong. It was good practice for me.

4. What suggestions would you have for making this project more beneficial to you and your students?

I plan on taking advantage of the science as much as possible. The Power Point presentations will be effective in the classroom. I hope to see more and will attempt to create some myself.

November

December
 

1. Describe positive experience(s) with Four Square writing this past month.

The students really enjoyed the Colonial America writing activity. As a class, we made homemade crafts for the Christmas tree and played games for that time period. This really tied their writing experience together.

2. How far did your students get with the Four Square method this month? (4 Square, 4 Square to paper, 4+1, 4+3) Why?

The students are writing 4+3 and using connecting words in their essays. My science class will be writing an essay about a planet for a project. They are researching to answer questions about the planet and use 4 -square to write the essay.

3. Discuss the Sentence Stretcher experience.

The use of the Sentence Stretchers seem to help the class to make a more complete and interesting sentence.

4. Were you able to complete a Colonial America writing activity? Discuss the success/problems.

The Colonial America went great. The students were enthusiastic about the activity. They listened well to the presentation because of the details mentioned in their essays.

5. Were you able to successfully download a file from the Write On site this month? Tell about any problems you encountered.

I was able to download a file from the Write On this month. I was unable to get the sound to work.

6. What problems are your students encountering with their participation in this project?

Some students are still struggling with the writing progress. Yet I can see that all are improving in their writing.

7. What problems are you experiencing?

I still am struggling with the time issue. I will need to make it more of a priority in the classroom.

8. What suggestions would you have for making this project more beneficial to you and your students?

I do not have any suggestions. I do like the various writing opportunities available for our use. I can incorporate any subject matter in a writing activity.

January
 

1. Describe positive experience(s) with Four Square writing this past month.

The students are doing better with the writing process. They are using their time wisely. I have watched them take time in planning their 4-square, then after the time limit they begin to write.

2. How far did your students get with the Four Square method this month? (4 Square, 4 Square to paper, 4+1, 4+3) Why?

The students are using the 4+3. They use their connecting words much easier now. I am seeing more descriptive words instead of the same tired words.

3. Discuss the Miss Take’s Challenge experience.

The class did well with the Miss Take’s Challenge. They enjoyed the challenge.

4. Was Mr. Indent or The Hook helpful to your students? If so, in what way. If not, why?

I did not use these this month. I chose to wait until we came back from Christmas break to use them.

5. Discuss your students experiences with a practice prompt activity.

They are adapting well to the prompts. The fifth grade has given a practice test a couple of times to allow the students to feel more comfortable about Feb. 3.

6. What problems are your students encountering with their participation in this project?

I do not see any problems with any of the students. I can see major improvements in each one this year.

7. What problems are you experiencing?

I feel anxious about the writing assessment because of the time of the test. With the students being out for Christmas break and the snow days I feel pressure for their preparation for the writing.

8. What suggestions would you have for making this project more beneficial to you and your students?

I do not have any suggestions at this time. The opportunities are wonderful that we are able to use from the home web page.

February
 

1. Describe positive experience(s) with Four Square writing this past month.

I can see progress made from each child in their writing. I was pleased with each composition that was done for the writing assessment. I noticed students that usually write very little seemed to respond well to the topic.

2. How far did your students get with the Four Square method this month? (4 Square, 4 Square to paper, 4+1, 4+3) Why?

The class is using 4+3 with transitions and lots of good descriptive words.

3. Discuss the Goof’s activity.

The Goof’s activity was fantastic. The students beg to do this activity. It was an effective practice to all in the class.

4. What problems are your students encountering with their participation in this project?

The students are doing well with the writing process.

5. What is the biggest problem you are experiencing in composition instruction with your students?

As usual the time factor is an issue but I still try to use writing every chance possible and use the Goof’s activity.

6. What activity through Write On has been most beneficial to your students?

The Goof’s is wonderful and the opportunity to meet and experience each month different ways we can incorporate writing in the classroom.

7. What suggestions would you have for making this project more beneficial to you and your students?

I would like to see opportunities given to all the teachers to participate in the workshop.

Grade 5 Teachers Please discuss:

After administering the Writing Assessment test recently to my students I felt a sigh of relief along with the students. I was amazed how well the compositions were written. The students stayed on topic and were very creative in their writing response. I am anxious about the test scores and will be curious on how the students will be scored. I am proud of each one because I can see how each student has improved. The improvement and learning is

March
 

1. Describe your class’ experience with Four Square writing this past month.

The class did well writing the paragraphs on the different science topics. The power point presentations are a great teaching tool to use. It incorporates the science material and the writing aspect together. I also noticed for many that it was very easy to write after the practice they have had this year. Some are still struggling, but this is offering an opportunity for improvement.

2. Did your students participate in a science cross curriculum writing activity? If so, describe its successes/weaknesses.

The class was successful in the writing activity. They were able to gain knowledge as well as practice their writing skill.

3. Other than time restraints, what is your biggest problem in composition instruction? Some of the students are still having difficulty in the writing process. They need to be reminded to indent and help on their topic sentence. This will hopefully begin to sink in for some and continue the practice that all of the students need.

4. What positive effects can you see in your students through the participation in the Four Square method of composition?

I am amazed the way it helps them to stay on topic. It allows their creativity without rambling on about something else.

5. Have you been able to share experiences or activities addressed through this project with any other educators? What was the result? I have shared activities with other educators and the experiences have been positive. Without schools receiving science text books this year many topics have been very difficult to teach. Through the writing process it has helped teachers to use the writing process for students to receive the information.

6. What changes will you make in your approach to composition in the upcoming school year? I will begin the year using writing as part of the daily instruction. If students can write about their information you know that they understand it.

May

This project address the following Tennessee Master Plan Goal: State of the art technology will be used to improve curriculum. Tennessee Report Card Performance Indicators Competency (Composition Skills) How do you feel this project moved toward the goal of improving student composition skills?

The project has addressed the use of the Four-Square method of writing. It has been effective for the students in their writing process. As a teacher it has made it easier for me to explain and teach the process.

List ways your participation in this project has positively affected the writing skills of the students in your classroom.

I have used the science writing activities with the classes. It has helped with the writing as well as introduce science information. The activities such as sentence stretchers, goofs, and others has made the class learn and not realize it. It is wonderful when your class does not want you to stop the lesson. Many of the activities I used they asked to continue it or to do that activity tomorrow.

How did your participation in this project positively affect your instructional strategies?

I feel more confident in writing skills and the use of technology in the classroom.

How has your approach to writing composition changed through your participation in this project from that of previous years?

I feel better prepared to teach writing in the classroom. The organization of the Four-Square and the classes have helped me to understand the process.

What other curriculum areas would you like to see implemented in a professional development technology integration project?

I would love to see science or math implemented. I would look forward to being part of either or both opportunities.