overview
Beginning to Write
(Grade K-5)
Karen Valdes
Course Description:
In this session, teachers learn how to progress students from one level of writing to the next. The focus is on the elements of organization, grammar, sentence structure, spelling, basic punctuation, capitalization, and handwriting. As students begin to write longer pieces, effective writing is a process that includes careful planning, drafting, revision, and proofreading before a final copy is published. Models are shared of different types of prewriting activities for narrative, descriptive, and expository pieces; methods are also demonstrated in directed revision, proofreading, and producing a coherent, error-free final draft. Participants will also learn how to analyze student writing in order to adjust instruction in any given genre.
Karen Valdes
Karen Valdes of Temecula, California has worked as a K-5 classroom teacher and special education teacher since 1981. She has an advanced degree in special education and administration, as well as extensive experience working with poverty-level students and second language learners. She has served as a mentor teacher, master teacher, and college course presenter on reading. Ms. Valdes was recognized as the District Teacher of the Year and County Teacher of the Year. She has been involved with the California Reading Initiative and standards-based instruction. Ms. Valdes is the author of state-approved AB 1086 training documents and writing support materials, and served on the 2002 Instructional Program Advisory Panel for the State of California. She is certified as a trainer for AB 466 English Language Arts Professional Development and AB 75 Administrative Training. Her current project as a member of R-CAT is to coordinate the development of writing support materials aligned to standards and grade level genres.
