3.+Learning+To+Write

Learning to Write...

 Learning to write is an integral part of any education. The generalisation that we don't use hand-writing as much these days is of course true in some ways, however we still need to be able to write for a wide variety of purposes. For example, we all need to know how to write in order to take notes in class or in lectures and for filling in forms and other basic things like that. It is important that we bestow upon students that writing is important and it is essential that we can all do it. "Writing is a way of communicating through a process of constructing messages and representing ideas, feelings and information in print." (Department of Education, 1999) One of the most important things as teachers that we should be doing is creating supportive classroom conditions for learning. However, there are some specific things which should be considered when students are working on their writing skills. According to //Professional Development for Teachers,// 1998 there are seven separate supports which should be demonstrated in the classroom when attempting to create a supportive writing environment for children. These include; time, choice, response, demonstration, expectation, routines and evaluation. I will briefly explain each of these to further extend your understanding of these concepts...

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 * Time:** Children need a daily two hour block of literacy, ensuring that this is carried out as a regular routine will ensure the concentration of the students.
 * Choice:** Allowing students to choose what they would like to write about, whilst keeping tabs to ensure that children arn't doing the same activity every time they write.
 * Response:** We need to give students feedback on their work and praise every effort.
 * Demonstration**: Demonstrations by the teacher for example; which ways we form our letters and where we start, etc. Also, Exposing the students to different types of writing, both fiction, non-fiction, narrative, etc.
 * Expectation:** Teachers need to honestly believe that all students can and will improve. With enough time and support all children //will// improve.
 * Routines:** Students need to be set predictable routines as to how they go about their writing.
 * Evaluation:** It is crucial to revise and reflect on students pieces of writing when they have completed them. This provides students with the opportunity to read their work aloud to the class or discuss it with a small group.