Improving Reading & Writing SPND456 Roger Burr

Reading & Writing These slides present specific strategies that are highly effective at improving writing skills but have also shown to improve reading abilities as well. The reports state that further research needs to be completed to determine the effectiveness of these strategies and instructional methods for learners with significant reading and writing challenges. References: Writing to Read: Evidence for How Writing Can Improve Reading Writing Next: Effective Strategies to Improve Writing of Adolescents in Middle and High Schools &

Effective steps to improve reading & writing Summarize Summarize Teaches key points Ideal for students who need language learning challenges making it difficult to identify main ideas and conclusions. Available tools: Presentatioin tools PowerPoint Prezi Mind maps Popplet Text2MindMap Note tools Evernote Notability

Effective steps to improve reading & writing Prewriting Prewriting Organize thoughts Improves the quality of first attempts Promotes positive successes Ideal for students with attention issue who have difficulty seeing the big picture. Also appropriate for students who have difficulty organizing thoughts. Available tools: Writing Checklists Word clouds Ex. Wordle

Effective steps to improve reading & writing Writing strategies Writing strategies Explicit instructions that provide opportunities for small success within the writing process. Clear expectations for all writing assignments. Available tools: Graphic Organizers Poplet Free Mind Gliffy Flashcards Recall Plus Flashcard Machine Brainstorming Spidernet Bubbl.us

Effective steps to improve reading & writing Activities that spark curiosity Activities that spark curiosity Use a Varity of methods to change instruction. Novelty of instruction would benefit all students, creating a fun learning atmosphere. Supported by brain based research Ask for clearly specified goals What is happening? What are people doing? Where is the action taking place?

Effective steps to improve reading & writing Writing Collaboratively Writing Collaboratively While collaboration will benefit all students, students who are challenged with reading and writing can share there knowledge. Positive way to include all learns regardless of difference or disability Brain based research shows better engagement Promotes fun team work Improved motivation Available tools: GoogleDocs WikiSpaces LucidChart