Week 10: Writing While Virtual

 The time has finally come for my PLC and I to begin our argument unit. This is easily one of my favorite units, but it comes with new challenges while still on NTI. Last year, we had students choose a topic, and begin writing before Spring Break. However, we've had to rethink our pacing due to Covid and virtual learning. We've been so stressed and trying to rethink how we teach our students to write essays. Typically, when our students come to us from elementary school, we know they learn the basics of essay writing. Provide a claim, evidence and analysis. However, this year has been completely different. Since their 5th grade year was cut short, so many students stopped at different points, and learned different things. We have had quite the time trying to start from scratch while also being mindful of those that are ready to write. In my review of a blogger, I mentioned that Ashely of Teach, Create Motivated, mentioned many strategies for helping struggling writers. Her tips were fantastic, and definitely helped me consider how I can best serve my students.

    Not only has it been challenging to teach our students to write while being virtual, but we have also done so with limited class time. I only see my students for two hours per week. In person, we saw our students for a minimum of five hours each week, plus an extra hour per day if they visited us for remediation. Trying to hit the highlights of how to write an essay has been challenging, but doable. Our students are beyond resilient, just as teachers are!