The World of Non-fiction Writing
When Adrienne Gear visited the Junior School in August 2014, she left us wanting more. We were so very fortunate to have her return this year for two powerful days of professional development in our own classrooms. Alongside our students, the teachers tapped into the enthusiasm that Ms. Gear brings to the teaching of non-fiction writing. Adrienne reminded us that more than 80% of our engagements with language fall outside of narrative, and that teaching fictional narrative alone will not be enough to support our students through their life journeys.
While observing her lessons in several Junior School classrooms, it became evident that CDS students have the oral language needed to explain, instruct, and persuade. Adrienne harnessed this ability by translating it into written form. She reawakened in us the notion that “we write to invite thinking.” In no other form of writing is this more relevant than non-fiction writing. With her guidance, we grew to appreciate how critical a component of complete writing program non-fiction writing is. She moved us through our comfort zone and knowledge base, giving us the tools we needed to ensure that students were writing many different forms of nonfiction.
Immediately following each lesson, the teachers were given an opportunity to reflect in small groups with Adrienne. We were able to ask questions, discuss our students’ responses, and delve into the different purposes and formats of nonfiction writing. Later in the day, we gathered again to explore how we might use the various forms of non-fiction writing in our content areas. Adrienne reminds us that regardless of form, students need to be writing with purpose and intent in mind.
Ms. Gear opened the world of non-fiction writing to the Junior School faculty, and subsequently, to our students. Author Donald Graves speaks eloquently about teachers being learners first, demonstrating their own learning and commitment. Nowhere was this more evident than in the Junior School during two wonderful days of learning alongside our students. Adrienne once again reminded us that best practice results in best learning.
Submitted by Mary Fournier, Grade 3 teacher
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
