>> Welcome. In this short video, we will explore the Writing A-Z suggested instructional pack consisting of sequenced standards-based step-by-step lessons that combine genre writing with process writing instruction. We hope that by the end of this guided tour, you will walk away with new tools to support your work. As we explore, you may want to use the editable note catcher available here. At any point during this video tour, if you need time to reflect, practice or take notes, press pause. Then, press play when you would like to resume. We are so happy you're here. Let's get started. First, we will locate the program resource menu in the upper left-hand corner of the home page. You will find all the Writing A-Z instructional resources when you click here. Let's dive in by selecting lesson plans. Use the filter to select your grade level. I will choose third grade. Unit one, module one lesson plans will always introduce and build the background knowledge covered in the unit genre. In units two, three and four, modules two, three, four, lesson plans take students through the stages of the writing process. Let me show you this by clicking into unit two, module two. There are five lessons that teach the writing process. Let's take a look by clicking on lesson one. All lessons are standards based and provide clear teacher and student objectives. All lessons and materials can be printed. However, the QR code provides a digital first option so teachers can display the lesson plan and materials on another device as a point of reference while teaching. Scroll down to materials and preparation, and click to see the module cheat sheet. Module cheat sheets allow teachers to model exemplary writing without having to create it on the spot. Each cheat sheet provides a completed graphic organizer and the first and final drafts of the module's writing piece. Lessons follow a gradual release format. There are a total of 80 lessons. You don't have to teach one lesson per day. Instead, you can paste a single lesson across multiple days based on students' needs or the time you have available in your writing block. On the right, you will find pacing suggestions for each part of the lesson. You may decide to teach the first three parts in 1 day, which would take about 25 minutes. Then, wait until the next day or time you have writing practice planned to schedule independent practice and teacher conferencing. Now, let's navigate to the I DO section of the lesson plan. Here, you have the option to teach the skill or strategy during your writing period or, to save time, assign the instructional video that mirrors the lesson content using a flipped classroom approach.
>> Hello, friends. It's DJ Doodles in the house. Last time we met, I finally decided on the topic for my persuasive letter. Now, I am ready to turn that beat around and see what groovy goodness I can write.
W>> Then, at the bottom of the I DO section, there is a check for understanding game that reinforces the lesson's skill or strategy. You can assign this interactive practice game to assess students' prior knowledge ahead of instruction or afterward to check for understanding. To do this, scroll back up to the top of the page, and select the assign button. Here, you can assign your chosen independent practice activities to all your students or select individual students. Once you make your selections and click submit, you will see a green confirmation pop-up on your lesson plan, verifying that those activities have been created and will appear in a student's portal. To help you make your thinking visible while modeling, Writing A-Z provides sample dialogues embedded throughout the lesson that are written concisely in actionable language. Use the dialog to model instructional strategies and reinforce learning like in this example. Consider how helpful it is to have this think-aloud dialogue already written for you. The WE DO portion of the lesson plan is a time to extend learning by applying the lesson's content to a writing sample. Guided practice can be delivered to the whole class or a small group or modified for additional support or differentiated instruction. Lesson plans also provide useful teacher tips to help expand upon the content as you see here. The You Do section provides best practice support in setting students up during their independent writing time and provides Look Fors and tips to support teachers during conferencing. To wrap up the lesson, add just 5 minutes wherever you can in your schedule to allow students time to share writing, celebrate successes and reflect on what they've learned. Writing A-Z has thoughtful, sequenced, standards-based step-by-step lessons that combine genre writing with process writing instruction and minimize planning time by taking the guesswork out of how to teach the writing lesson. We hope learning more about the intention behind these lesson plans will help you find the right implementation path for you. This concludes our guided tour, but there is so much more to explore. Want to learn more about Writing A-Z? Check out other Writing A-Z videos found in the Related Offerings section at the top right of this page. Learn more about our professional learning services, or book your next training here. We hope this short video has helped you learn about new tools to support your work. Teachers, thank you for everything you do.
