Developing Successful Writers Through the Use of Mentor Text

On January 13, 2011, Sumter School District Two held its annual writing workshop for all 5th and 8th grade ELA teachers. The purpose of the workshop was to analyze data to identify weak areas and to present strategies/lessons to empower the teachers to implement the strategies in their classrooms. This year’s 5th grade workshop was presented by Mrs. Gail China and Mrs. Ureka Hilton.

Mrs. China started the workshop by presenting data from last year’s PASS test. She identified voice as an area of weakness across the district. Next, she guided the teachers in a word building activity found at http://www.edina.k12.mn.us/concord/teacherlinks/sixtraits/wordactivity.htm. Teachers were tasked with replacing general vocabulary with “Million Dollar” words. Then Mrs. China led the teachers into a discussion about Mentor Text (what they are and how they can be used to springboard writing instruction). Finally she modeled a lesson using The Important Book by Margret Wise.

Mrs. Hilton also modeled an Idea Development lesson using Enemy Pie by Derek Munson. She started the lesson by asking the teachers three questions. Have you ever had a disagreement with someone? Did you think about getting revenge on that person? If so, what? Mrs. Hilton allowed time for sharing. Next, she introduced the book and tasked teacher groups of three to write their recipe for Enemy Pie. After a brief sharing time, Mrs. Hilton read the book. The teachers were then guided back to the initial three questions. Using a graphic organizer found at http://www.writingfix.com/Picture_Book_Prompts/EnemyPie1.htm, teachers began brainstorming their scheme for revenge. Due to timing, Mrs. Hilton brought the session to an end by sharing the next steps involved in the lesson. She then shared writing strategies and resources she uses in her classroom. Teachers were then prompted to complete a feedback form as presenters for the next session started setting up for their presentations.

-Submitted by Ureka Hilton

Second Annual Poetry Contest

During the month of October, students from Districts 2 and 17 submitted poetry to the Santee Wateree Writing Project’s Fall Poetry Contest. The contest was an initiative of the Santee Wateree Writing Project in cooperation with the University of South Carolina, Sumter School District 2 and Sumter School District 17. As a part of the poetry contest, students were placed into categories (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12). Each student was able to submit a reflective piece of poetry that expressed their concerns, inspirations, hopes, dreams, passions, and fears. Students could write the poems in any format; however they were asked that the poem be reflective and less than 20 lines.
On December 2, 2010, over 70 people joined at the University of South Carolina to share in the celebration to honor the students. The following is a list of all of the poems that placed in the 2010 Santee Wateree Writing Project’s Fall Poetry Contest:

The following is a list of all of the poems that placed in the 2010 Santee Wateree Writing Project’s Fall Poetry Contest:


Grades K-2

My Contractions ~ Traycer Winn (Oakland Primary) Ms. Alberta Barrett Johnson
Me ~ Errin Reed (Shaw Heights) Ms. Mudd
Pronouns All About Me~ Samantha Smith (Oakland Primary) Ms. Alberta Barrett Johnson

Grades 3-5

My Great Baseball Life ~ Cody Welch (Pocalla Springs Elementary) Mrs. Gandy
I Am Me ~ Kadielynn McDonald (Pocalla Springs) Mrs. Gandy
All About Me ~ Jade McCoy (Pocalla Springs) Ms. Ward

Grades 6-8

Here I Am ~ Kijana Prescott (Furman Middle School) Ms. Pollard
I Am From ~ Casey Welch (Furman Middle School) Ms. Pollard
Where I’m From ~ Destini Nichols (Furman Middle School) Ms. Pollard

Grades 9-12

The One ~ Julian Holland (Crestwood High School) Mrs. Gwynette Waters
Lunar Rose ~ Emily West Wallace (Sumter High School) Mrs. Amanda O’Neal
What is Color ~ Ka’osha White (Lakewood High School) Mrs. Delawese Fulton

-Submitted by Ureka Hilton