Teaching Writing

Chapter 5

Introduction
"Learning is much easier when we are praised for what we do
right."
Teaching writing in the past:
Focused only on correcting errors.
Not process-based
Negative spin, "What not to do."
Red ink
Not much improvement

Your writer identity.

The Writing Process

The process allows students to improve
their writing through any stage. "From
first thoughts, to finished draft."
This form of teaching can give the
teachers new frustrations.
Example in book on page 114

The Stages of the

Writing Process

Discovery Stage
This is the most important step.
Discussing ideas and getting immediate feedback is
important.
During this stage, students should think:
Must be interesting
Must be lively
Must be interesting
Many call this stage pre-writing.

Activities
It is very important to allow students time to think and talk
about writing.
Creative dramatics
Films
Discussion
Reading
Writing
Example on page 115

Activities (cont.)
Free writing
Drawing
Mapping
Outlining
Creative dramatics

Drafting stage
Students have to be allowed to make multiple
drafts.
The first draft should be messy.
Always refer to writing as "drafts."
The paper the students turn in should be
called a final draft, because a paper is never
really finished. There is always room for
improvement.

Drafting stage (cont.)

Drafting does not have to proceed from beginning to end
Many students write better if they start at the end of their
papers, and save the first paragraph until the end.
Students often complain about not knowing what to say.
The teacher should ask them what they want to say.
It is often easier for students to articulate their thoughts
than write them.
Students need confirmation that what they want to say
is good enough for a paper.

Drafting stage (cont.)

The drafts have to be peer reviewed.
Teachers put students in groups of 5 or 6 students.
Students take turns reading their works aloud to the
group.
It is important that during the reading of the first draft,
the only person who sees the paper is the author.
This allows students to listen to the thought behind
the paper rather than the grammatical mistakes.

Revising Stage
Revision begins with the writer.
Students should have the opportunity to read their own works and
find errors in the papers themselves, first.
The revising memo is a helpful tool for this stage.
Then, students should trade their papers with their writing groups from
the drafting stage. (This will take one entire class period).
Students take turns reading their papers aloud to the group.
Others respond with questions for the writer and suggestions for
improvement.
Each students should get the same amount of time.

Preparing for the Editing Stage

Teachers should teach a mini-lesson
before allowing their students to edit
each other's papers.
This lesson should consist of one skill
that teachers know their class
struggles with (if students struggle
with more than one grammatical skill,
then a full lesson or two might be in
order).

Editing Stage
This stage is only necessary if the writing is going to be published (in a
school newspaper, writing magazine, in a contest, etc.)
If students used a word processor, then they have to bring a copy to the
editing session.
This is the first stage in which students are allowed to read each other's
papers. (Same groups as before)
No response sheet. Talk about changes instead.
The writer explains the thinking behind the changes made.
After everyone in the group has read each paper, the groups split up into
pairs.
Teacher may provide an editing guideline for less experienced students.

Publishing Student
Writing
There are MANY places that publish student work
(and are constantly looking for submissions).
The National council for Teachers of English
Sponsor contests
Clinics and medical offices often take submissions
for student work.
Local magazines are always looking for
submissions.

Classroom Climate
Students have to feel comfortable.
Students have to have mutual respect and trust.
The teacher must establish a rapport.
Classroom must never look bare.
Students should have a place in the classroom to display
their work. (Not just 'the best').
Small group activities.
Sense of caring from the teacher.

"The process approach to writing

redefines the teacher's role from giver
of information and the hunter of errors
to the teacher as a facilitator."

Journal Writing
This allows students to reflect upon information given in
class.
Helps students rely upon the journal entries for
retention.
Teachers can read journals weekly, and write comments,
but the comments should never be negative.
Teachers should also explain the goal of the journals so
that the students do not see this activity as "busy
work."

Writing Short Stories

Activities:
Round-Robin Stories
Story-strips
Setting
Character
Plot Line

1. Why is writing
important to each of
your subject areas?
2. What does teaching
writing add to a class?