A tool for vocabulary development in which students record new words taken from stories, LEAs, or journals, under the appropriate letter and then write a sentence using the word as well as draw a picture to reinforce the word’s meaning.

A freeform writing activity that provides space for students to write about their interests without direct instruction and learn naturally about written forms of language.

The standard rules and stylistics governing written and oral language.

An assessment method which evaluates writing based on an overall standard for the piece as a whole.

A classification of artistic work according to certain shared characteristics. Examples of genres include fairytale, historical fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and mystery.

A style of writing which is often rooted in the writer’s experiences, including forms such as fiction, drama, and poetry.

The standard or widely practiced formulation of letters to form a word, which is accepted as the correct arrangement of letters.

A writing activity and a form of the act of writing in which students experience writing within a social context. It often involves one or more partners, and a university tutor who provide instruction or act as role models throughout the process.

A learning tool, also called a chair of “distinction,” on which students sit when sharing their written work with classmates.

Assessment that focuses on evaluating written work according to its parts.