Indiana

Writing is taught explicitly through a gradual release of responsibility (i.e., I do, we do, you do) and includes sufficient time for modeling, planning, and brainstorming ideas orally before drafting.

Every Simplify Writing® lesson follows a gradual-release model, starting with strategy-focused direct instruction, using teacher modeling and mentor texts, followed by a student writing time, allowing students to practice the skill in their own writing. Oral discussion is built into each unit, with opportunities to share in whole group and small group settings during each stage of writing.

Writing instruction is structured; and includes explicit teaching models including graphic organizers to support composition.

Age-appropriate model texts are provided for every writing unit, with guidance for the teacher to model writing skills that students will replicate in their own writing. Organizers are provided for students to outline their ideas using various text structures, such as sequencing events or comparing and contrasting. The use of consistent, familiar graphic organizers provides opportunities to make learning concrete and supports student retention.

Writing instruction addresses grammar and language conventions specified by the standards at each grade level and builds on those standards from previous grade levels through the application and practice of those skills in the context of reading and writing about unit texts.

Starting in kindergarten, students learn to produce and expand sentences, with explicit instruction on the components and various types of complete sentences. Grammar is taught within the context of writing, building on skills at each level to promote authentic application in writing. Grammar resources are provided for specific sentence and paragraph-level writing skills such as capitalization, punctuation, sentence construction, parts of speech, figurative language, and more.

Writing instruction and activities support students to develop composition skills across multiple text types for a variety of purposes and audiences.

Every writing genre is covered throughout the Simplify Writing® program, with multiple units on narrative, informational, explanatory, and opinion/argumentative writing. Each unit covers the writing process from brainstorming to publishing, with mini-lessons that guide students through each step. Students will produce both simple and extended writing pieces, learning to complete the writing process over a period of days or weeks, as well as in a condensed time frame as might be required in a testing environment. Mini-lessons that focus on the purpose for writing and pinpointing a unique audience are included throughout the grade-level units.

Writing materials include a clear scope and sequence for teaching conventions of print, grammar, and syntax (sentence structure) in reading and writing.

A scope and sequence is included for every grade level, breaking down essential elements of writing and grammar into manageable and structured lessons that build upon each other progressively. The curriculum is designed to be used in a sequence that reflects how students naturally develop writing skills, from basic sentence construction to more advanced writing tasks. This scope and sequence ensure that conventions of print, grammar, and syntax are revisited and reinforced throughout the program.

Handwriting includes explicit instruction related to handwriting (e.g., letter formation, posture, grip), and there are opportunities for cumulative practice.

Explicit lessons on writing posture, pencil grip, paper positioning, and letter formation are included in the Simplify Writing® curriculum starting in kindergarten. Additional letter formation and handwriting practice resources are provided for additional support and practice, including both print and cursive instruction. Students progress from writing on blank paper, to using scaffolded dotted lines, and regular lined paper.

Handwriting instruction is integrated into core reading and writing and follows the scope and sequence of letter-sound knowledge.

Teachers introduce letter formation alongside phonics instruction, following a progression to create a phoneme-grapheme connection. Regular opportunities are provided for practice and refinement of handwriting skills throughout every core writing unit.