HOME SCHOOL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
WRITING
GRADES K-5
Welcome to Writing class at HSAP!
Writing is a skill best taught, where students are encouraged, supported, and provided the tools for putting their ideas on paper. Each student in our classes receives instruction on the following traits of writing: Ideas, Organization, Word Choice, Voice, and Sentence Fluency. These traits work together to make a cohesive writing piece.
Grades K/1st
Kindergarten and 1st grade students enjoy participating in shared writing activities. This is where the teacher models writing in front of the large group and "shares the pen" with her students. Individual students will come forward to help supply a letter, or word for the shared writing piece. They work on hearing the sounds in words by stretching out each word as they write, which helps demonstrate their ideas. Students love listening to engaging read alouds which model the traits of writing.
Grades 2nd-5th
We start the year building community among our classes. This helps foster confidence in each student. As our year progresses, the goal is that your child will feel comfortable taking risks in their writing. Whether that’s trying a new genre, experimenting with using voice, choosing to use more descriptive words, over worn-out words, or presenting in front of the class.
At all levels, class begins with a large group lesson where we discuss our writing focus. Every trait-focused lesson will be accompanied by a Mentor text that’s read aloud to the class. We’ve taken special care in choosing these books to model each writing trait. Students learn that a mentor is someone who can help us. In our case, the author’s writing they hear can assist them in understanding how to put into practice the traits of writing. We provide examples, activities, games, and models, including writing organizers to meet students where they’re at and build on their understanding. Writing genres you might expect in grades 2nd-5th may include: Personal Narrative, How-to, Informative, Descriptive, Adventure, Opinion/Persuasive, Memoir, Poetry, Fantasy, Fairytale. Among other smaller assignments, 4th/5th graders will complete 5 written pieces during the school year.
MEET KIMBERLY CHAPMAN
WRITING TEACHER (GRADES 2-5)
EDUCATION
I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with a Specialization in Spanish while at Iowa State University. I also obtained my Reading endorsement. My previous experience includes teaching preschool, kindergarten, 4th grade, and junior high Spanish, and serving as a tutor for home bound students with long-term illness. This year marks my 7th year with the WDM HSAP program. I LOVE my job!
FAMILY
I have been married to my husband, Ryan since 2001. We have two children. Reed is a freshman at Iowa State and Kate is a senior at Des Moines Christian High School.
INTERESTS
I enjoy being with my family and friends, being outdoors, traveling & exploring, staying active, reading and watching movies.
WHY I LOVE TEACHING
I am passionate about children, teaching, learning, and literacy. Inspiring students to feel confident and excited about their learning really motivates me.
MEET LISA DROST
WRITING TEACHER (GRADES 2-3)
EDUCATION
I grew up in eastern Iowa attending Iowa Mennonite High School near Kalona. After high school, I attended Iowa State University where I received my Bachelors degree for Elementary Education with a specialization in mathematics and a minor in Educational Computing.
EXPERIENCE
After college, I taught several long term elementary teaching positions, in a few districts around the metro, before teaching 2nd grade in the Southeast Polk Community School District. Soon after we had our second child I stayed home with our children. When our youngest was in preschool, I began substitute teaching in the West Des Moines School district. I have been with the WDM HSAP program since 2017.
FAMILY
My husband, Bert and I have been married since 2001. We have three children, Will, Briella and Dillon. We live in West Des Moines.
INTERESTS
I enjoy being with my family, traveling, exercising, working outside and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones and St. Louis Cardinals.
WHY I LOVE TEACHING
I have always enjoyed teaching and watching students have those ah ha moments. My love for teaching all started when I was young girl. I had a schoolroom set up in our basement and played school with my siblings and cousins. My grandmother was also a teacher. I enjoyed hearing about and seeing the things she taught in her classroom, along with receiving worksheets, teacher supplies, etc that she no longer used.
MEET SARA WEIS
WRITING TEACHER (GRADES K-5)
EDUCATION
I have my Master's Degree in Education and Reading Specialization. I received my Bachelor's Degrees from the University of Northern Iowa in Elementary Education and Early Childhood with minors in Language Arts and Reading.
EXPERIENCE
I have been teaching with our HSAP program since we began offering enrichment classes in 2008. Prior to that, I taught Kindergarten for the West Des Moines School District. I am a published author and look forward to sharing my experiences in my writing classes.
FAMILY
Mom of three fabulous children; Megan, Lucy, and Max and love living in West Des Moines.
INTERESTS
In my free time, I love writing, reading, yoga, and being outdoors. Most of all I enjoy being active with my family and experiencing new places and things together.
WHY I LOVE TEACHING
Kids and writing are two of my favorite things. I love working with kids and helping them get excited about writing and expressing themselves. I feel so fortunate to work with the same students and families year after year and seeing them learn and grow.
