Dear Dr.

Hartman,
March 30, 2016
To be honest, Ive been nervous about this assign/assessment phase of the Writing
Assignment Design (WAD). As previously mentioned, this is a low-stake/no-credit, introductory
basic writing course and what I am asking from my student, Heidi Hyde, to do is not challenging
enoughtruthfully it is not. But I realized that this is okay. However, the challenging part, in
my opinion, which we collaborated on, is for her to mentally think and write like a non-native
speaker and writer of English. That idea never even crossed my mind and yet this is important
because it was like having an extra pair of eyes to see and comprehend what I have been
experiencing with my own students. As we collaborated more on this assignment, I learned that
Heidi is also a teacher and she works with a couple of students who are also non-native speakers
and writers of English. I didnt want to go overboard with commenting on issues like sentence
structure, punctuation and grammar because, like my real students, I wanted to get to know who
she is as a student, but most importantly as a writer. The following assignments I have assigned
are: Informal journal writing on what she is interested in wanting to discuss in class, and what
she is thinking about, practice writing a simple cover letter for preparation in applying for a job.
You will also see a sample cover letter, and work that she has done. I also made some changes on
the assignment/handout section by cutting the amount of work that is required, and the rubric to
make it more cohesive, creating a real connection. Now I know I am on my way to becoming a
successful teacher of writing, but I still have a lot to learn and I know it will be all worth it.
Sincerely,
Ilari Pass

Ilari Pass
ENED 683: The Teaching of Writing
Dr. Shana Hartman
March 30, 2016
Writing Assignment Design: Assign/Assess Phase
Overview: Writing is an ongoing, ever-changing journey. This assignment is designed for
asking students to create some basic, real-world writing that they can usecreating a cover letter
when applying for a job and informal journal writing. It is important to consider that, whenever
we write, we are telling a story. When we do that we create a community, and when that happens
we are connected to the world. My intention is to make my students feel that we are a
community, connecting socially to each other when we are writingI will be writing with my
students, empowering them to acknowledge the fact that, no matter what, we are all writers. We
will also do some reading of different storiesanother important element in the writing process.
Context: This class will be a low-stake/no-credit, introductory basic writing course,
Introductory to Basic Writing. This class will meet one night a week for two and a half hours,
and is intended for non-native speakers and writers of English. The purpose of this course is to
guide students through every day-life challenges while developing skills to effectively
communicate. Namely, students will use Mead composition notebooks for informal journal
writing while progressing into writing different types of letterssimple cover letters for a job
interview, writing a letter to a loved one, complaint letters, and so on. With further instruction I
will be writing with you, and together will gradually work on placing things in order, such as
forming words and phrases, the use of verb tense while learning how to be organized when
writing paragraphs.
Requirements/Course Materials: Textbooks, Mead composition books for informal journaling,
colored pencils, and a large dictionary will be provided for the students. The following materials
that students are required to bring with them each class period: notebook binder for taking notes,
a couple of pens, pencils and an eraser. It is important to bring the required items with you

there will not be any extra, or additional supplies provided. Since this is a no-credit course a
rubric will be provided, and I will make an assessment and comments on your written work.
Objectives/Standards/Goals:
A. Students will develop writing strategies by understanding writing as a process by doing the
following:
1. Drafting
2. Reading/reviewing drafts
3. Revising
4. Editing
5. Reflecting on their composing practices.
B. Integrate reading and writing skills by
1. Developing and creating writing forms by examining writing samples
2. Developing a reflective attitude toward their own learning
Handout/Assignment:
1. At the start of each class session, I will write a question on the board What do you want to
learn tonight? We, as a community, will answer this question by writing in your composition
books for 10 minutesI will be writing with you. Before the end of class, you will be required
to write again for about 5 minutes, reflecting on what you have learned and what you wish to
learn further. If you do not have an answer for this, you can write about the type of day you had,
goals, dreams, or an unforgettable experiencefor instance, someone once told me, Writing
produces writing. In other words, simply write about what you are thinking about. I am not
concerned about grammar at this timeI know this is important to you and we will work on this
process.
2. We will also be doing different life skills activities, such as learning how to write a cover
letter, filling out a job application, filling out a blank check, etc. All assignments will be done in
class, and turned in at the end. I will meet with you individually and provide feedback at the start
of the next class session.
Wednesday: March 30th
Due Date: End of Class
Step 1: Write in your composition books by answering the question What do you want to learn
tonight? or the type of day you had, sharing anything and everything you can think of. Before
class ends, write for five minutes reflecting on what you have learned in class.

Step 2: We will examine a writing sample of what a simple cover letter looks like, and we will all
practice writing a cover letter together in class. During this process we will be doing the
following: drafting, reading/reviewing drafts, editing, and revising. I am not concerned about
grammar at this time. What I am interested in is getting to know who you are as a student, and
most importantly who you are as a writer.
Step 3: When everything is completed, we will write again for 5 minutes reflecting on what we
have done and learned about in class.
Step 4: Turn in your composition books and rough draft cover letter at the end of the class.

Wednesday: April 6th

Due Date: End of Class
Step 1: Write in your composition books by answering the question What do you want to learn
tonight? or the type of day you had, sharing anything and everything you can think of for 10
minutes. Before class ends, write for 5 minutes reflecting on what you have learned in class.
Step 2: We will do grammar and sentence structuring lessons on the board. Writing samples
provided for you. We will practice writing cover letters againreading/reviewing, editing, etc.,
and learning how to create our own writing form and style. Do this in your notebooks since I
have your composition books. While practicing with your cover letters, write any questions or
concerns you may have about this. If there is enough time, we can discuss these concerns in
class.
Step 2: Turn in your rough draft cover letters at the end of class. I will be meeting with you
individually and providing feedback on you progress with your writing in your composition
books and cover letters next class session.

Student Sample
Journal Writing: What I want to learn tonight?
March 30, 2016
Today is good day. I have good day at work and kids have good day at school. Had to go to
bank and open account for son. He want to put birthday money in bank. I tell him he so smart to
save money and he need to put in bank to save college money. We so proud of our boy. I wish
our girl save her money--she always want to buy shoes! Why one girl need so many shoes! I tell
her she need a hundred foot for all her shoes! Tomorrow I meet with teacher about how kids do
in school. This make me nervous because I feel my English skills not good enough to talk to
teacher. I am not wanting them to think different of my child because I do not talk English good.
My kids smart kids and I do not want teacher to think they have parents not smart. I some time
have trouble helping kids in homework. They do things different than when I was student in
school. I tell them--you not listen to teacher? Do it way teacher says and you get right answer.
I think I need to know how to make talks with people in store, bank, and my child school. Also
want to know how make good sentence so people understand what I try to say. I am not
understand of why some word look different but sound same in talking. How we know
difference?

Student Sample
Journal Writing: End of Class Reflection
March30,2016
After lesson today, I feel better about talking to teacher tomorrow about how kids do in school. I
know to ask about how they do on test and writing and to ask teacher if they show respect in
class. I can ask teacher about what kids do well and struggle with. I feel better about asking
teacher questions and let her answer them. We on same team to help my kids. I also learn about
words that look same but sound different and about words that look different but sound same-English not easy! We start to do letter to help get job. This good for my husband who look for
job.

Sample Cover Letter:

2408 Lake Brandt Place, Apt. P
Greensboro, NC 27455
336-253-7623
March 30, 2016
Job Announcement Number: SG-1350914-15-KLT
Control Number: 397168900
Office Disability, Adjudication, and Review
101 South Edgeworth Street, Suite 300
Greensboro, NC 27401
Dear Hiring Committee,
I am writing to inform you that I am very interested in applying for the Legal Assistant (Senior
Case Technician) position at the Social Security Administration office located in Greensboro,
North Carolina. I am a completing my degree at Guilford College, majoring in English with a
minor in Criminal Justice. I currently work for the United States Postal Service, and have been
for 15 years.
I have previous experience in processing claims working for insurance and finance companies.
This position would be a positive fit for me because it will allow me to apply and hone my skills
even further as a legal assistant. Through my work experiences, I realized my strengths lie in
customer service skills. This will allow me to not only process claims but to serve and
understand the clients struggles throughout the hearing process.
With my experience working for a federal government agency, I believe I can be a productive
and active team player. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity for applying for this
position, and I look forward to hearing from you shortly.
Sincerely,

Student Cover Letter Sample

1521 Laurel Street
Valdese, NC 28690
828-555-6749
March 30, 2016
Job Announcement Number: SG-1350914-15-KLT
Control Number: 397168900
Burke County Public Schools
537 Parker Road
Morganton, NC 28655
Dear Hiring Committee,
I am writing to tell you that I am very much interested your job posted for the Teacher Assistant
Position at your Central Office. I am a completing my degree at Western Piedmont College,
majoring in Early Childhood Education. I currently work for McDonalds in Valdese and First
Baptist Valdese Child Development Center.
I think I would very much like to work with your Hmong students in the ELL classroom. I speak
both Hmong and English. I could help your Hmong students feel happy and ready to learn in the
classes through the day. I am easy to get along with and love the kids. I am eager to learn and
help the kids do their best.
Sincerely,
Student

Assessment:
Class participation is vital and paramount for your success in this class. Since you will not be
graded in the course, depending on how you do and the efforts you make in your work, you will
either receive a plus (+), or a negative (-). As previously mentioned, I will provide feedback and
meet with you individually. You will see this example of this rubric below. At the end of the
semester, you all will be required to take a placement exam to determine if you will move
forward from the Beginners-Low Intermediate to an Intermediate-Advance ESOL level class.

CATEGORY
Participation

Neatness

Letter is typed, clean,

not wrinkled, and is
easy to read with no
distracting error
corrections. It was
done with pride.

Capitalization
and Punctuation

Writer makes no errors Writer makes 1-2

in capitalization and
errors in capitalization
punctuation.
and punctuation.

Length

The letter is written in a The letter is somewhat

clear and organized
organized. It took more
fashion. It was easy to than one reading to
figure out what the
figure out.
letter was about.

Fully engaged; eager Not engaged; work not

to complete
turned in, or is
assignment(s) in a
incomplete. Trouble
timely manner. Follows understanding
directions efficiently.
directions. Little to no
Participates by asking participation; does not
and, or responds to
ask or respond to
questions; creates a questions;
real sense of
demonstrates little
community in the
interest in being a part
classroom.
of a community in the
classroom.
Letter is typed, clean,
and is easy to read. It
may have 1-2
distracting error
corrections. It was
diligently done with
care.

Comments:
Dear Student:
You get a plus (+) for your assignment. I must say that I am very much impressed by
your diligence, and I am looking forward to getting to know you more as a wonderful student
and writer, which you are. I am elated that you are eager You have so much potential and it is
certainly evident in your work. First, your journal writing. One moving experience that I will
always remember is your expressing the importance of family and educationwanting to help
your children with homework, and, as a parent, the feeling embarrassed that your children are
able to communicate more effectively in English, wishing that you can do the same. Secondly,
and I must agree with you, English is not easy and it is a process that we are learning every day.
I am teacher, but I am also a student and I am still learning so you are not alonewe will learn
together one class at a time. Isnt it amazing that words can sound and is spelled exactly the
same, but has a totally different meaning? For example, we will use the word beara bear is an
animal that is normally seen in deep forests of Alaska; to bear is to hold up; support. How we
introduce a word helps make the distinction of what we are sayinga bearto bear. I hope this
helps some, and we will go over this in class soon.
Secondly, your revised/draft cover letter. Again, it is evident that hard work was indeed put into
this, and it certainly shows that you have an understanding of what the instructions for this
assignment asks for. However, one important element in your cover letter is missingyour
previous work experience. For instance, if you were actually applying for teaching assistant
position, depending on the school, you must have a degree; you must have experiencedoing
internships in an active classroomexperience. Kindly review the sample cover letter in which
you will see detailed information regarding this. One thing that will certainly work in your
favor is the fact that you are bilingualHmong and English. I also applaud you in your efforts
with grammar and sentence structuring, which we will practice more on real soon. If you have
any questions or concerns you would like to discuss, let me know before or after class and we
can set a time that will best work for the both of us.

Works Cited
http://rubistar.4teachers.org. Writing Rubric. Ret. 30. Mar. 2016. Web.