How to Teach Writing to ESL Primary School Students

Objective: Develop English writing skills in a balanced way, fostering active participation
and independence in students' reading and writing processes. We, as teachers, must not
forget to define specific and measurable writing objectives for the student, considering their
needs and level.

Step 1: Create a Motivating Environment

Organize a stimulating classroom with visual materials, English books, and engaging
resources and foster a positive and supportive learning environment where errors are seen
as learning opportunities in order to make learners feel attracted to the place and the
process.

Step 2: Emphasis on Meaningful Reading and Writing

Read short stories and texts in English and discuss their content in both Spanish and
English by exploring modern literacies.

Example

A. A quick game will be played with a cube in order to help students remember
questions and answers used orally.
 B. Students will receive a copy with the following conversation from social
media/whatsapp:

Hello Ben! How are you?

My name is Paz and I'm from Lobos, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Hi Paz! I’m fine and you?

I'm ten years old. How old are you?

I’m fine, thank you! I’m nine years old.

Where do you live?

I live in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil.

Do you play sports?

No, I don’t play sports. What about you?

I play football.
Do you want to play FIFA?

Yes, sure!

Great!
 C. After reading aloud and checking meanings, students will have to fill the gaps of a
similar conversation by looking at the pictures provided.

Hello ________! How are you?

My name is Tomi and I'm from Lobos, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Hi ______! I’m fine and you?

I'm 12 years old. How old are you?

I’m fine, thank you! I’m 12 years old.

Where do you live?

I live in _________, ___________.

Do you ___________?
Yes, I like painting. What about you?

I __________.
Do you want to listen to music?

Yes, sure!

Great!

D. Now, students will have to take a paper from two bags. One of them contains a
number and the other contains different IDs with information from kids around the
world. Each ID will contain a number. Everyone will have to write a conversation with
the person of the ID they got.
Once finished, they start sharing their works. First, they will have to ask for the
number in the IDs they have received and discover which of the classmates is that
person. Then they will have to read their conversation.

Step 3: Assessment and Constructive Feedback

After making regular assessments to measure the student's progress in English writing,
provide specific feedback and encourage continuous improvement.

This plan is based on the principles of a balanced literacy pedagogy, which emphasizes the
development of meaningful reading and writing skills while also providing balanced
instruction in both meaning and phonetics. Adapting and customizing this plan to meet your
student's specific needs is crucial for successful teaching of English writing.