The first week of school is a great time for students to give you some key information about themselves. On the first day, do something to make your class different (see my previous post on classroom icebreakers to get some great ideas!).
Having students engage in a writing activity is good for two reasons: 1) it’s a great way to get your know your students, and 2) you provide them with something different than going over class rules. Here is a sample writing prompt you can use as a writing assessment, and begin your formative study of what level your students are in their writing development. Succeeding in high school is like ________________ because _____________________.
If possible, have students use a computer and you can teach them how to save or email their work to you. If you use an online writing platform, have students setup an account and post their writing online to share with the class. This creates a sense of pride and the responsibility of sharing with an authentic audience.
If you want to go deeper with writing, provide students with a choice of prompts. For homework have them choose one and research the topic to create an informed essay. You can download five prompts here!
To prepare students, tell them they can bring any notes to class, but they cannot bring a written draft. When they return to class the next day, give them 30 minutes to write on the prompt, using whatever notes they have compiled.
Don’t have time for lengthier writing? Provide a notecard to students and have them write to you. The content should be something you can’t find elsewhere like what they like to read (or don’t like to read) or what their goals are for the school year.
Writing assessments can take many forms. Best practices include a plan to have students submit a written piece, teacher grades it, and returns it to the student before the end of the week. This shows the importance of the task.
Get my free printable writing prompts to gather a writing assessment during the first few weeks of school! Download the Write to a Prompt Activity for great ideas to help your students begin writing.