MODULE 5
6-8 Writing Module

Common Core Shifts for ELA/Literacy
  1. Building knowledge through content-rich nonfiction
  2. Reading, writing and speaking grounded in evidence from text, both literary and informational
  3. Regular practice withcomplex text and its academic language

Writing Module: 90 minute module

What’s In This Module?

  1. Facilitator’s Guide
  2. PowerPoint Presentation
  3. Hands-On Activities
  4. Additional materials needed:
  • Grades 6-8 Writing Standard 1
  • Grades 6-8 Student Writing Samples
  • Slide #16 handout
  • Slides #17-20 handouts
  • Slides #22-23 handouts
  • Purdue OWL pages 1-6 handout
  • Waffles vs. Pancakes G.O.
  • Group work: ELL article and summary
  • Where to Start Instruction Activity: Analyze a piece of writing from your class and review learning progressions for grade level
  • Reflection: Why are core descriptors important and how do they impact classroom instruction?
  1. Video Resources:
  • MP4s of
  1. Web Resources:
  • Writing Rubrics Resources:
  • Learning Progressions Webinar:
  • Learning Progressions:
  • Units with Learning Progressions:

Using This Module

You are encouraged to customize any or all portions of this module to meet the needs of your audience. These modules are intended to fit into a variety of different professional development settings; below are suggestions for implementation depending on the time available. All times are suggested and can be expanded to incorporate more discussion as needed. Any portions of this module may be modified, reproduced, and disseminated without prior permission.

If you have 90 minutes (EXAMPLE) / Extensions
1. Share the Power Point presentation / 1. Analyzing the given student writing samples with the DE Writing Rubrics.
2. Lead the hands-on activities and discussions
3. Utilize remaining module components (Related Reading, Additional Videos) as time permits throughout the year (i.e.: in professional learning communities)
4. If you have an additional 30 minutes, have participants practice using the strategies presented in the blackline masters. Participants could also practice applying the explicit instruction strategies with texts they brought to the session. / 2. Score their own students’ argumentative pieces with the DE Writing Rubrics.
3. Review “resources” slides at end of presentation for further guidance on argumentative writing.
4.Have participants model a debate following format of “Waffles vs. Pancakes”
Background on the Delaware Department of Education Modules
and the Common Core State Standards
This modulehas been designed for educators to use to support the implementation of the Common Core State Standards. The module has been designed by the members of the Delaware Literacy Cadre in partnership with the Delaware Department of Education.

Writing Module: Grades 6-8Page 1