Gold Rush is implementing a new writing resource called Benchmark Writing Workshop. Benchmark Workshop is a comprehensive writing program that incorporates best writing practices, targets state standards and aligns to GRE's Benchmark Reading Workshop curriculum. This resource follows our workshop structure, which ensures the majority of daily writing blocks are spent applying skills and strategies.
As a part of the writing model, students write for long periods of time each day. They try the craft moves modeled in the initial mini lesson in their own writing. Students across grades K-5 are currently focused on informational writing. Fifth graders are writing like scientists. Second, third and fourth graders are sharing their expertise on a variety of topics, including a specific animal, a favorite sport and our school. Students in all grade levels are learning how to structure their nonfiction pieces and incorporate domain specific vocabulary. They are also including text features to enhance their writing.
As teachers are implementing the Benchmark writing curriculum they are finding parallels with prior instructional routines and practices. Gold Rush is proud of students’ exceptional writing and teachers' ability to use the new resource.
