Mrs. Payne 
Hi, I am Mrs. Payne, and I teach at both Judson and Polk schools. I have a bachelor of arts degree in english and a masters of science degree in reading and language arts. I have been teaching for thirteen years.
I teach narrative writing to third grade students, reinforce narrative writing skills to fourth grade students, and teach expository writing to students in fifth grade. This year, third grade students will learn how to write a story that is organized, detailed, and fluent. Fourth graders will continue to work on narrative writing. Students in fifth grade will learn how to organize an essay, elaborate ideas, and write fluent responses.
Additionally, I work with small writing groups and focus on strategies to improve writing.
To prepare for the 45 minute writing prompt on the Connecticut Mastery Test (to be administered in March), students in all grades will practice scoring prompts.
Grade 3 students will learn how to write a narrative story. In addition, they will learn how a writing prompt is scored. This will be modeled, tried as a class, and attempted individually.
We will focus on capturing and engaging a reader using catch phrases. These leads can be used anywhere in a story. They will also learn how to leave the reader fulfilled by creating a phenomenal ending.
Beginning Mnemonic
Thought The
Feeling Furry
Dialogue Dog
Action Ate
Sound Effect Six
Question Quilts
In grade 4, students will review and learn new writing strategies. Additionally, they will learn how to add figurative writing to their stories. Why? Figurative language allows the reader to visualize the story. To prepare for 5th grade, students will learn the key components to an expository essay.
Grade 5 students will learn new leads. They will also learn how to write a strong introduction and conclusion. One focus will be on writing a compare and contrast essay.
Golden Bricks (leads):
Golden Brick Mnemonic
Quote Queen
Anecdote Ann
Amazing Fact Ate
Statistic Six
Descriptive Segment Donuts
Here are some important ideas for writers:
- Gather ideas and keep them in a journal to use later on in your writing.
- Proofread your work to convey your exact meaning to your reader.
- Organize your ideas before you write.
- Use description so your reader can visualize your ideas in their minds.
- READ, READ, READ! This will help you notice techniques of other writers. An added bonus: Reading increases your vocabulary!
Links to expository writing:
http://www.geocities.com/fifth_grade_tpes/expository.html
http://www.sbac.edu/~idylwild/writingtips.html
Link to narrative writing:
http://www.sbac.edu/~idylwild/narrativetips
If you would like to contact me, my email address is paynest@watertownctschools.org