Digital Modelling Book - Writing Engaging Sentences

I saw great success today in our ALL writing, students were engaging in collaborative Google Document to work through the steps of writing interesting sentences. Today we started with Simple sentences, adding verbs, adverbs & adjectives.

We used Sheena Cameron resource : Additional information about sentences (CD15A)

Digital Technology - Using TIP charts as an acceleration tool

In her book Learning in the Fast Lane Suzy Pepper Rollins indicates that "vocabulary understanding is developed over the course of time and is a key component of prior knowledge, acceleration students in particular benefit from rich vocabulary experiences" (Rollins, 2014).

Using a TIP chart is one way suggested by Rollins to achieve this. I have used TIP charts in class previously so I thought I would try to add these TIP charts to the digital modelling book for the ALL students. The thought that students would be able to collaborate in a greater level, the TIP charts would be in view of each students and students would be able to create exciting and interesting charts that the would be proud to present to the class or have on a learning wall.

Here is an example from a student:

Digital Technologies and Writing

During my recent appraisal discussion with my team leader, we spoke about how I would like to focus more specifically on our school wide focus of raising achievement in writing for Māori students (especially boys)

Focus Question: 

How can I use digital technologies to increase engagement and acceleration with writing?

My thinking at this stage is that students are more engaged, accountable and have increased confidence when writing using digital technologies. Together with the collaboration, modelling and effective feedback can lead to improvement in students writing achievement.

Digital Technology to engage in ALL writing

• After attending the GAFE conference in Auckland in the holidays, I learnt about using digital modelling books. I was so excited to get back to school and use this in my teaching. I thought I would start with my Accelerated Literacy Learning Group. This is the start of my journey, So I look forward to reflecting on the impact of using this digital tool.

Using a Digital Modelling Book Students are able to collaborate on the same document at the same time.

Setting Goals and using our school tracker in this way helps students to see what others have written and become more confident at using the planner.