Reader/Writer
A Shortlist of Tried-and-True Ideas to Facilitate Good Writing
What works:
1. Writing support from the community (Readers). Student persistence and motivation are markedly better when writing for an audience outside the classroom setting. Volunteer Readers acknowledge writers’ voices and self-worth.
2. Constructive critical feedback by Readers and teachers. Honest, nonjudgmental feedback instills student trust. Trust creates respect, which increases motivation.
3. Consistent and high expectations. Tell students often that you believe that they can meet expectations by working hard and not giving up. Repetition works.
3. Direct instruction using actual student essays. In the classroom, have students read an essay aloud (taking turns, paragraph by paragraph) and students note both strengths and needs of the piece. To use student work, pick out a few essays and ask students for their permission to use (block name out if they prefer).
4. Topics that are personal and meaningful. Build choices in. For example, for the topic “The Most Important Value in My Life,” ask the class to list values out loud. Write these on the overhead and each becomes a possible prompt.
5. Explore topics with the class before writing. Using ‘values’ as an example:
· ask students what the first line could be (record on overhead);
· ask what they could include in the body, what kind of details they could write about (include on overhead);
· show a related student example and ask students to read aloud and note strengths and what she/he could have included.
This can be done quickly. Interest and focus established, students are ready to write.
6. Use a template or format as a visual guide. Show students what organization is and have them write (usually) within that structure. Show more and tell less.
7. High quality paper for hand-written essays. Personal essays will generally be more intimate (real) and have more depth if hand-written. (Academic writing is a good use of computers.) Quality paper, such as the blue and pink paper R/W provides, signifies respect and choice and feels good when writing.
8. Set aside regular times to write and be consistent. Create a culture of writing/self-expression. Regular practice within a structure and for a real-life audience increases skills and fluency.