learning to write, writing to learn ceri jones. i use writing to … i use writing because … the...

Learning to write, writing to learn

Ceri Jones

I use writing to …I use writing because …

The biggest problem with writing is …The good thing about writing is …

How does writing aid learning?

Writing involves a different kind of mental process. There ismore time to think, to reflect, to prepare, to rehearse, to makemistakes and find alternative and better solutions. (Jim Scrivener)

Writing, by its nature, requires more thought. Not only that, it exists in time, unlike speech, which unless you record it, is elusive. Anything written, therefore, is available for review and correction. (Scott Thornbury)

• writing helps students process language

• there is a visible, tangible product

What was going on?

interpreting meaningnegotiating meaningdiscussing text organisationmaking choices about lexis, syntax, grammar, style, register etc.

How did you feel?challengedfrustratedboredengagedinterested

http://david-dodgson.blogspot.com/2010/11/our-first-time-with-dictogloss.html

getting the writing habit … little but often

• summaries• definitions• questions …• … and answers

Questions with «how»

how long how often how many

how much how old how big

how likely how difficult

Reading and writing

• students write the questions• answer each other’s questions• correct each other’s questions• use the same questions again as a warmer in

the next lesson

(works with T/F statements too)

http://jasonrenshaw.typepad.com

Working with a model

Underline any similarities with carnival in your hometown

Make a list of differences

Underline five phrases in the text you can use in yours

Questioning the question

Describe one of your favourite pastimes. Explain why you like it and recommend it to other people.

Describe: What? Where? When? Why? Who?Explain: How? Why? Recommend: Why? Where? When? With who?

Improving and redrafting

Need an example from 2C?

Speaking and writing The alphabet game

more ideas ….

I use writing to …I use writing because …

The biggest problem with writing is …The good thing about writing is …

cerijones@ono.com

http://cerij.wordpress.com

W is for wordsScary MoviesWorkshops/Learning to write, writing to learn

@cerirhiannon