All of my 7th grade students are writing a social studies argumentative paper this coming week. I am grading this project on three of the Six Traits of Writing: Organization (an inviting intro, a satisfying ending, transitions to link the paragraphs) and Conventions (punctuation, spelling, grammar, paragraph breaks, capitals), Word Choice/Ideas (Using grade appropriate vocabulary for the audience and purpose...just the right words for the right place.)

I have given the students information on exactly how I will be grading the language arts part of their paper. They have a packet on starter words for taking a position (opinion), words to use in their conclusion, a list of transitions, and what to include in their three opinion paragraphs. It's right there for them in their packet.

We will be proofreading this paper in class on Wednesday, September 11, 2013. They are to SKIP LINES on the rough draft so it will be easy to read and mark.

I'm excited to see the results. I love working with Ms. Braschler on this project. We are a TEAM! She will be grading the social studies content.

Aloha,

Cindy Manoske

P.S. 6th grade students will have a social studies collaboration project next quarter.