Can an integrated thematic curriculum help struggling writers in a middle school language arts classroom?

Term

2010

Capstone

Thesis

Degree Name

MAT

Abstract

In a typical middle school language arts classroom, there are many different ways that students struggle with writing. This study explored the idea that sixth grade students who were taught narrative writing through an integrated thematic curriculum would have less difficulty with the Six Traits of Writing method: ideas, organization, voice, sentence fluency, word choice and conventions. An integrated unit of study was introduced in the social studies, reading and language arts classes. Sixteen sixth grade students participated in the study. Students wrote a narrative piece before and during the study. They also completed a self-survey before, during and after the unit. The narrative writing completed during the integrated unit indicates improved use of the Six Traits of Writing. The findings from the surveys suggest an increase in student motivation and confidence.

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