Berkman Arts Integration Academy (AIA) students across campus practiced writing as part of National Day of Writing on October 20.
The National Day of Writing was founded by the National Council of Teachers of English on the premise that writing is critical to literacy but needs greater attention and celebration.
“Writing is an instructional focus for all of our students,” Berkman Principal Kathy Cawthron said. “It is an expectation that all students write every day across the curriculum. The National Day of Writing is a day that we set aside to celebrate ourselves at writers.”
Instructional coaches work daily with teachers to support students as writers. All teachers teach writing via the writing workshop model, which includes a mini-lesson on a concept like writing a lead or revising work. The mini-lesson is followed by focused writing time for students while the teacher conducts individual and group conferences.
The kids are excited to express themselves as writers and what they believe about writing and themselves, Berkman Instructional Coach Corinna Haworth Green said.
“We want students to understand how important writing is to their life,” Green said . “We want them to understand that writing is not only mechanics, but is a skill they will need throughout college, career and life.”
Berkman hosted writing activities throughout the National Day of Writing, including shared writing at lunch, a poem about the love of words read on the announcements and a “Why I Write” wall in the hallway open to all students and teachers.
“I write because I want to express my feelings,” said Victoria Sosa Falcon, Berkman fourth-grade student. “I get to use my imagination and no one judges me. I also love science and writing about science and I want to be a writer when I grow up.”
