Writing
Writing is as important as reading or any other content area in school.
However, writing is given far less attention and clear instruction than it should receive. Writing, like reading, is not natural because it is not entirely similar to the way we read. We know from Gentry and Ouellette's Brain Words book that the Spell-to-Read method is incredibly important in teaching reading and teaching spelling in conjunction. Being able to spell accurately and automatically is as important to successful writing as being able to recognize and automatically read words is for fluency and comprehension in reading.
However, writing is given far less attention and clear instruction than it should receive. Writing, like reading, is not natural because it is not entirely similar to the way we read. We know from Gentry and Ouellette's Brain Words book that the Spell-to-Read method is incredibly important in teaching reading and teaching spelling in conjunction. Being able to spell accurately and automatically is as important to successful writing as being able to recognize and automatically read words is for fluency and comprehension in reading.
To begin with it is important to be able to identify the stage your students are at with their writing to be able to appropriately support them in building their writing skills and reaching their goals.
Using the Writing Continuum can help you with assessment to plan goals for your students.
|
Use the Monster Test to assess student spelling. This can also help you assess your students understanding of phonics.
-> -> ->
|
|
|
Writing Craft
Craft has to do with writing within specific disciplines—it includes figurative language, imagery and details, word choice, dialogue, organization, and voice. |
Writing Convention
Convention is carried across disciplines—it includes grammatical aspects such as capitalization, punctuation, sentence structure, writing structure, and handwriting. |
-> The Phases of Writing <-
The writing process needs to be taught, but then expanded upon! The writing process should also be understood as a fluid thing. Students need to be taught the rules for the rules to then be broken! Give them the tools to express their voice so that they can then find their voice.
Good writing also involves collaboration and sharing! Why do we write if not to publish and share our ideas! Writing workshops should involve ample time for revising, editing, and many opportunities for collaboration, culminating in the sharing of the produced writing.
Good writing also involves collaboration and sharing! Why do we write if not to publish and share our ideas! Writing workshops should involve ample time for revising, editing, and many opportunities for collaboration, culminating in the sharing of the produced writing.
From: https://www.clwalters.net/blog/2021/1/5/ask-the-author-favorite-part-of-the-writing-process. Graphics by Cami Walters-Nihipali
-> Grammar <-
In the same manner that reading is not natural, grammar practices in writing are not natural and must be explicitly taught. Hochman and Wexler (2017). explain that students do not know how to use conjunctions or transitions words, or sentences starters and we have to teach these. Students must be explicitly taught how to actively use such words in their writing.
In the same manner that reading is not natural, grammar practices in writing are not natural and must be explicitly taught. Hochman and Wexler (2017). explain that students do not know how to use conjunctions or transitions words, or sentences starters and we have to teach these. Students must be explicitly taught how to actively use such words in their writing.
|
Instruction Methods:
Hochman and Wexler write about a 6 principle strategy for teaching grammar in writing, their examples include explicit instruction. -> -> ->
|
The 6 Principles of the Writing Revolution:
|
|
In Practice!
One effective option is having students explicitly write sentences to learn how to use key words in writing. This can be a great opportunity to engage cross-disciplinarily into other subjects, for example writing three sentences comparing fractions to decimals using the words. The example to the right is from Hochman and Wexler (2017). |
Hochman and Wexler
|
|
Tips on Successful Writing Craft:
|
|
Using Genre study to become better writers!
One of the ways we can work to become better writers is through UBD style Genre Study. We start with the end goal of what we want students to be able to write and produce. Then we find numerous examples of that kind of writing, of writing in the genre. The journey begins with immersion and engagement with the genre. Over the course of weeks, students delve into the genre and carefully analyze the tactics the authors use. Then they work to imitate this. Learning writing through reading.
One of the ways we can work to become better writers is through UBD style Genre Study. We start with the end goal of what we want students to be able to write and produce. Then we find numerous examples of that kind of writing, of writing in the genre. The journey begins with immersion and engagement with the genre. Over the course of weeks, students delve into the genre and carefully analyze the tactics the authors use. Then they work to imitate this. Learning writing through reading.
|
A great read is the The Writing Strategies book by Jennifer Serravallo! It includes tons of helpful strategies and lesson ideas for every phase of writing!
<- <- <- |
