+Strategies That Work for Struggling Writers and ALL Writers

Adapted by Tami Begnelfrom Writing Essentials by Reggie Routman

+Struggling Writers

Struggling writers need excellent writing instruction just as proficient writers do.

They need to be provided with lots of modeling and scaffolding.

Gradual Release of Responsibility

Avoid only teaching struggling writers isolated skills. The teaching of isolated skills can destroy any passion for writing.

Writing instruction should be differentiated.

+Writing Aloud

The teacher will talk before and during the writing process.

This demonstrates a writers thought process before and during the writing process.

+Shared Writing

The students participate in the writing process as a whole group, but the teacher is transcribing.

This allows the students to focus on the message without the pressures of writing.

Students get to hear and observe peers’ thinking and ideas.

The students get to observe and experience the whole writing process (ideas, words, grammar, spelling, editing)

Provides support

+Interactive Writing

The students and the teacher share the experience of writing.

Can be done whole group or small group.

Students will receive positive feedback for what they can write.

Provides modeling from peers and also the teacher.

The students will experience immediate success.

+Example of Interactive Writing

+Personal Writing

Journals, Letters, Notes, Short StoriesStudents are able to write about

something of interest.The knowledge and values of the

student are affirmed.

+Short Writing Assignments

Examples: Letters, Book Reviews, Advice, ProceduresThere is less writing so the student can complete the task easily.

The student is less overwhelmed, leading to a successful writing experience.

+Visuals

Examples: Illustrations, Captions, Comics, Graphs, Photos, Labels, Wordless Picture Books, TimelinesStudents will see how text and

illustrations are correlated.Be able to provide a perspective or point

of view.Experience success in writing.

+Simple Planning Techniques

Lists, Charts, Outlines, Maps, Systematic Writing, Patterned WritingWith the use of a graphic organizer the students are able to brainstorm their thoughts.

They are able to “map” out their thoughts, making writing easier.

+

+Paired Writing

The struggling students are matched up with a more capable writer.

This allows them to create new text without as much frustration.

Students can retell a story with a partner.

+Daily Writing

All students should have the opportunity to write daily, just as they should be reading daily.

This builds fluency with writing.

When students write everyday they will experiment with different writing styles.

+Mentor Text

The teacher uses author’s to model what good writing looks and sounds like.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

This lesson uses the chronological and repetitive story line of Alexander’s bad day to teach students how to write a catch phrase. One idea is that the students write about a bad

“school picture day”

+Conferencing

Conferencing can be done as whole-class or on an individual basis.

Students receive affirmation, encouragement, guidance, and explicit teaching.

Students and teacher set manageable goals.

Refer to a rubric before, during, and after the writing experience.

During whole-class share, the students experience examples of good writing from their peers.

+Celebrations

Students share their writing with the class.

Efforts with writing are affirmed.

Students see the reason for drafting, revising, and editing.

Students will learn from their peers.

Encourages the students to do their best work.

Students have a purpose for publishing their writing.

Students will begin to take pride and enjoyment in writing.

+References

Routman, R. (2005). Writing Essentials: Raising Expectations and Results While Simplifying Teaching. Heinemann: Portsmouth. Pp. 169-172.

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