EL Education created these K-5 rubrics based on an analysis of the grade-level demands of the CCSS, rubrics used by PARCC and Smarter Balanced, and EL Education's own professional expertise (including attention to the Writing for Understanding framework). The downloads for grades 3-5 includes Writing Rubrics, Informal Checklists, and the Phonics and Word Recognition Checklist.

A parent wonders why children need to learn to spell if we have spell checkers. Writing expert William Van Cleave explains that the link between spelling and literacy is important, especially when there are multiple ways to write a sound such as /k/, like in the words cat, click, and kite. He also notes that learning how to spell words automatically frees up space to concentrate on the ideas for writing, rather than just how the words are spelled.

Daily activity options for distance learning.
Below you will find attachments for daily writing and reading assignments. I would print this paper to have as hard copy reference as well. There are live links, so knowing how to access here will help.

Students build upon their knowledge of biographies to write their own autobiographical incident. After going through a process of revision, they use a rubric to assess their work.

Dr. Steve Graham discusses the four recommended practices from the Practice Guide, Teaching Elementary School Students to Be Effective Writers. He describes how the process of writing instruction becomes more complex as students move through the elementary grades. He also explains three common challenges and strategies for overcoming each one.

Special edition! Students use ReadWriteThink tools to create magazines about prominent figures using a variety of writing genres and styles.

Students in Grades 5 through 12 read and respond to electronic books by using e-book tools and features, including digital note-taking capabilities.

Students apply and build their knowledge of letters and letter sounds as they play games and interact with letters online, creating their own ABC book as a final activity.