Writing Assignment Description

Kindergarten students at the Anser Public Charter School in Boise, Idaho created a set of note cards as part of a yearlong learning expedition on birds. Students worked with a research buddy – an older student from his or her school, supporting research and writing skills. The front of each card has a scientific drawing of a bird, and the back has a student-written description of the bird that includes information such as visual identification, habitat, range, diet, and mating characteristics.

Rubrics for quality illustration and writing were co-created with students and were used to guide group and informal peer critique.