As we begin winding down to the end of the semester, I often sit and reminisce on the first set of classes we attended and of course our first blog entries. We have come a long way my dear colleagues, but our journey is far from over. This week focused on strategies that can be used to support struggling writers. In my opinion, this is an issue that should be addressed as often as possible. Many issues can surface as students are learning new things every day. It is the task of the teacher to ensure that students are grasping what is being covered and also tending to any issues they may have where writing and reading are concerned. A struggling reader can take many forms. The student may not know what topic they want to write on, one may be struggling to expound on their ideas and we all have the one student who for some reason seems to have a burning fire under his/her chair and can't sit still. It may be easier for the teacher to have a binder or a folder containing each student's profile. He/she could highlight any characteristics that showcase themselves when students are writing. This might aid in lesson planning, where the teacher will create activities or tasks, targeting the student's shortcomings with the goal of improvement.
Sharing Ideas
For students who may struggle with creating ideas for their writing piece, the teacher can begin by asking for suggestions. This way the students would be able to select from a list of familiar topics, heightening their interests. It is another way to gauge whether students are knowledgeable on the topic or if they have any further suggestions to add. If there is a disagreement amongst students and the general topic chosen, based on the structure of the lesson and the objectives, the teacher can implement a pair or group exercise where they can decide which topic they will tackle.
Collaboration
Before students begin writing their pieces on their own, the teacher can take into consideration conducting whole class activities or discussions. This may bring some students out of their comfort zone and also have insight into the thought process of their classmates. The teacher may provide students with a general topic, however, the interpretation may be different. Students can discuss, and share ideas and opinions and maybe even offer tips or advice to their friends.
Sentence starters
This can be a fun way for students to figure out what it is they want to write on.
Writing warm-up
This strategy takes into consideration students writing their thoughts down freely. Students should write as they please without the fear of being graded immediately.
Pre-writing
This is a strategy that is common in the beginning stages of writing, as the name suggests. I'm sure we would all be rich if we received a dollar for every time the term was used in class. This step should be less stressful for students as they begin working on their pieces. It is also the task of the teacher to create an environment and atmosphere where students are comfortable and can write with limited interruptions.
When assisting struggling writers, many strategies can be implemented. It is the task of the teacher to analyze his/her student's skills and make a decision as to which strategy is best and how to go about incorporating it into a lesson. The student may need one-on-one assistance, leading the teacher to create separate mini-lessons and activities for the students to tackle. The teacher can:
- break tasks up; this may lessen the stress on students as the tasks are smaller and more doable
- guide students writing; students can have a visual of what ‘good writing’ is and the different elements
-creating mini-lessons; this strategy/activity can aid in narrowing in on elements of writing students may be unfamiliar with. Once the mini-lesson is over, it would be ideal to have students incorporate it into their writing while highlighting the others they have learned before
-proving students with writing tools; now this may be a favorite of mine as it can be executed in a fun way. The teacher can provide students with a list of transitional words or phrases they can use while writing. he/she can also provide a list of words that they can avoid. This is another form of guided writing in my opinion as it is providing substantial resources for the students to use that will aid in their overcoming writing challenges
When students are not interested in a topic, it is evident that there is a disconnect. From experience, students will write the bare minimum or not give as much effort to their piece. I do believe having visuals for this aspect of writing can help students as they will have an idea of what is taking place. For example, going to the movies. There may be some students who have never experienced this. The teacher can either have a video of what happens before entering the cinema (buying tickets and snacks, searching for a seat) or recreate the experience within the classroom. This will also ensure that students don't feel left out. The teacher can also allow students to choose their own topic. The student may be a bit more comfortable writing on what they know and it also creates a sense of independence when they are given the power to choose. After this stage, the teacher can make a decision as to whether he/she will be grading the piece or not. My opinion, I like the idea of students writing freely, just for the fun of it. I do believe that students will be more comfortable in writing pieces, as their work isn't always scrutinized by the teacher. Lastly, having one-on-one or small group meetings. I honestly see the importance of sitting with students one-on-one, however, I’m going to be blunt, with the structure of timetables these days I don't know when we will be able to do that. As you know we only get one hour in the block, and with all the things attached to teaching reading and writing, it seems as though we will have to actually schedule time in the lesson for one on one. Even with that, we would have to ensure the other students are set at work. Having an idea of what students are struggling with can aid in creating a scaffolding strategy to get them where they need to be.
What do you guys think about the strategies to help struggling writers. Are there any you plan on utilizing when we go off to practicum?
Jewel The strategies that you shared seemed like they could really come in handy. When I get back into the classroom, you can bet that I'll be putting the Pre-writing strategy to good use. It is of the utmost importance to cultivate an atmosphere that encourages writing.
ReplyDeleteHey, Demante'! Thank you for your insight. I cannot stress enough the number of strategies I plan on implementing as well. An environment suitable for writing is always ideal.
ReplyDeleteThis is true, as I recall many times as a class teacher experiencing situations where students may be struggling to write, which can be caused by the issues mentioned above and so it was of uttermost importance to plan with these students in mind and to do so I can see myself using these strategies in my classroom in the near future to assist my struggling writers.
ReplyDeleteI am appreciative of you for sharing a number of these strategies which can be implemented to assist with struggling writers. These techniques will remain constant pillars of my writing education once I return to the classroom with success.
ReplyDelete