What a Writer Needs a rationale for writing instruction ACROSS the curriculum

Beginning writers need the simple act of writing to... Think and organize thoughts. Understand what writing even is. Understand why we write in the real world. Understand book features or other concepts of print. Understand the reading-writing connection.

Develop skills in phonological awareness, phonics and word work. Develop comprehension strategies. Develop more sophisticated writing skills across all genres.

“Just as children learn to read by reading, they learn to write by writing. Reading and writing are not separate activities. Development in one area enhances development in the other.” The Wright Group, Balanced Writing Program, 1995

We have to resist the temptation to think of those “beginning needs” only occurring at the elementary school level. American schools are increasingly diverse. Even middle and high school teachers are experiencing beginning writers. Teachers are those levels need to be ready to address beginning needs.

that writing fluency skills are necessary and possible. that writing has a purpose beyond the classroom. that it is writing that allows them to make new connections and sense of the world. that writing is a TOOL for thinking. Intermediate writers need to know understand.....

“ Children develop meaning as they write. It’s what we all do, especially when we’re writing about something we don’t fully understand or haven’t figured out yet.....Writing makes us think harder.” Regie Routman

This is why it is so critical that teachers teach the skills that show direct connections to all areas of content. Talking and writing put words and thoughts into students’ heads, allowing them to make new connections and thus new meanings. (Elbow 2004)

Extend writing across the curriculum. Create a safe, positive environment for writing to be shared. Allow students to work together to improve their writing efforts. Allow drafting and revision. All teachers then should...

Shift the focus from the assignment “product” to the process..realize that not all writing needs to get to final draft. Realize that grammar is best learned in context of actual writing with intentional teaching points. Realize that children need to write DAILY and not wait for correct spelling, grammar or reading skills to develop before writing instruction.

Choice!!!!! NAEP since 1975 is not showing a writing decrease..just a flat line. Maybe students are not writing well in academic settings? Students don’t hate writing, they HATE what we ask them to write...look at MySPACE and you’ll see volumes. Secondary writers need....

So what’s up at MS/HS? Are students being prepared for authentic writing in the real world? (pssst: That would be the CONTENT area!) “American students today are not meeting even basic writing standards, and their teachers are often at a loss for how to help them. In an age overwhelmed by information...we should view this as a crisis because the ability to read, comprehend, and write--in other words, to organize information into knowledge--can be viewed as tantamount to a survival skill.” ( Graham and Perin, Carnegie Commission Writing Next, 2006)

Writing “crisis” or content writing ? crisis? Writing in content gets students actively engaged in the content. Writing in content helps students meet state standards to pass mandated tests. Writing in content accesses skills to pass ACT/SAT entrance exams. Writing in content addresses post high school employer expectations.

Writing in content prepares students to be active citizens. Writing in content makes thoughts come alive and that is enjoyable. SO, is this a writing crisis, or a CONTENT CRISIS?