Read Like a Writer
A target for fourth graders is to be able to read like a writer - in other words, we want our students to learn how to read by writing. We must become more and more aware of the way authors write. Because of this, we pay attention to the following traits of writing.
Ideas
The first step might be to come up with ideas. Wonder how the writer came up with his/her ideas. Think about how the main ideas are revealed as the details are exposed? See our Art Appreciation page for ideas.
Organization
Organization is the order of ideas and the way a writer moves from one idea to the next. How does the writer use clues and lure us in and make us want to read more? What kinds of beginnings and endings are used? How does the piece flow together, consistently, to keep the reader interested? Look at transitions and pacing.
Voice
Voice is likely to be the most difficult and most subjective of the traits listed on this page. It is the expression of the writer's personality within the words. The writer's passion, emotion, and opinion should become obvious as the piece develops. See Mood Music page to explore voice.
Word Choice
Words are important, and words matter. The choice of a strong verbs, distinct descriptions, and clearly stated figurative language should be noticed by a reader.
Sentence Fluency
There is more to making writing flow than simple organization. Sentence Fluency adds to the rhythm and flow of the language as it is read aloud. Notice that sentences are varied in length and should vary. Pay particular attention to alliteration, rhythm, and rhyme.
Conventions
Conventions, perhaps the thing students dread the most when learning to write, may also be learned through the close attention to the punctuation used by published authors. This is the stuff every adult remembers from elementary school - the punctuation, the spelling, the grammar, and all the other things that make writing easy to read and understand.
Ideas
The first step might be to come up with ideas. Wonder how the writer came up with his/her ideas. Think about how the main ideas are revealed as the details are exposed? See our Art Appreciation page for ideas.
Organization
Organization is the order of ideas and the way a writer moves from one idea to the next. How does the writer use clues and lure us in and make us want to read more? What kinds of beginnings and endings are used? How does the piece flow together, consistently, to keep the reader interested? Look at transitions and pacing.
Voice
Voice is likely to be the most difficult and most subjective of the traits listed on this page. It is the expression of the writer's personality within the words. The writer's passion, emotion, and opinion should become obvious as the piece develops. See Mood Music page to explore voice.
Word Choice
Words are important, and words matter. The choice of a strong verbs, distinct descriptions, and clearly stated figurative language should be noticed by a reader.
Sentence Fluency
There is more to making writing flow than simple organization. Sentence Fluency adds to the rhythm and flow of the language as it is read aloud. Notice that sentences are varied in length and should vary. Pay particular attention to alliteration, rhythm, and rhyme.
Conventions
Conventions, perhaps the thing students dread the most when learning to write, may also be learned through the close attention to the punctuation used by published authors. This is the stuff every adult remembers from elementary school - the punctuation, the spelling, the grammar, and all the other things that make writing easy to read and understand.
