Rationale Behind my Test Items

I believe students learn more effectively by engaging in an assignment rather than just listening
to a lecture. It is a scientific fact that students learn at different types of learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. The kinesthetic learner allows the student to learn certain concepts while implementing the skills themselves. Activities are hands-on; manipulative that allows the student to master the skills on his own. The teacher serves only as a guide and is there if the
student has any questions.

The Writing Process is the type of subject that works well with the kinesthetic learner as well as other students. The majority of the activities are hands-on. The process requires the student to know each step and how they inner-connect with each other. Once he understands the five steps, the student can work independently, implementing them into his own writings, and then he can assist his fellow-students in editing and proofreading their work. Once the teacher thinks the student has mastered the five steps, she can have him write a five paragraph essay that can be published on the classroom website. By having the student compose an essay, it allows the
teacher to understand if the understands the steps completely.

Instructional Objectives

Unit Introduction:

This unit is for a 6th grade Language Arts classroom. During this unit the students will be introduced to each of the five steps of the Writing Process- prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. After a brief discussion, the students will be able to identify each step and understand how they are the building blocks in effective writing. Students will learn how implement each step while creating a polished paper.


Instructional Objectives:

By the end of this unit:

· The students will identify and define the five steps in the Writing Process.
· The students will brainstorm five characteristics of their favorite hobby in a graphic organizer.
· The students will write a one page paper about their favorite hobby.
· The students will extensively revise their own writing and two other classmates.
· The students will publish their story on the classroom’s website.


Unit Conclusion:

The assessment of this unit:

The students can match the five steps with their definitions with 80% accuracy.
The students can create and complete a hobby graphic organizer with at least five characteristics.
The students can pass a proofreading quiz with 80% accuracy.
The students can successfully write a five paragraph essay on their favorite hobby, complete with an introduction, five characteristics and a conclusion.