Written Expression

What is the goal of written expression? To improve the ability of the student to communicate clearly To help the student move from verbal expression to written expression To build student confidence in writing skills

Why is written expression so difficult? Difficulty with handwriting Difficulty with spelling skills Difficulty with word retrieval Limited vocabulary Difficulty with paraphrasing and summarizing Poor organizational skills Difficulty applying grammatical skills

Hierarchy of Written Expression Passages Paragraphs Sentences

Building Sentences What is a sentence? A sentence is a group of words that... Begins with a capital letter Ends with punctuation Has a subject and predicate And expresses a complete thought

Build more complex sentences Begin with a simple sentence. The horse runs. Have students add adjectives. The black horse runs. Have students add words that describe when, where, how, why, and to what extent. The black horse runs around the yard to get exercise because he is fat.

Step up to Writing: Handy Pages Writing sentences – Primary Book Who, Where, What, When, How, Action pg. 6-7 Write your best sentence pg. 8-9

Step up to Writing: Handy Pages Writing Topic Sentences Primary book pg. 12-13 Intermediate book pg. 10-11 Guide students to chose a type of topic sentences based on the purpose for their writing.

Writing Paragraphs What is a paragraph? A paragraph is a group of sentences about a particular subject, Teach students to make an outline. Model procedures. Start as a group project. Move from verbal expression to written expression. Some students may need to talk through their ideas before they write.

Step up to Writing: Handy Pages Writing an informational paragraph Planning is the key! Primary – pg. 10 Intermediate – pg. 6 Make an outline using the colors of the traffic light. Green – Topic, Conclusion Yellow – Key/star ideas Red – Explain (Text Evidence)

Step up to Writing: Handy Pages Primary Book pg. 11 Fun with Friends My friends and I love outdoor recess time. We always play games together. Four square and hopscotch are the favorite games in our class. We also like the new equipment on the playground. Everyone tries to be the one to go the highest and fastest on the swings. Teams try to beat each other when they play tetherball. We all laugh at each other and cheer when we make points. All of my friends will tell you that recess is a fun part of the day.

Step up to Writing: Handy Pages Primary Book pg. 11 Fun with Friends My friends and I love outdoor recess time. We always play games together. Four square and hopscotch are the favorite games in our class. We also like the new equipment on the playground. Everyone tries to be the one to go the highest and fastest on the swings. Teams try to beat each other when they play tetherball. We all laugh at each other and cheer when we make points. All of my friends will tell you that recess is a fun part of the day.

Step up to Writing: Handy Pages Primary Book pg. 11 Fun with Friends My friends and I love outdoor recess time. We always play games together. Four square and hopscotch are the favorite games in our class. We also like the new equipment on the playground. Everyone tries to be the one to go the highest and fastest on the swings. Teams try to beat each other when they play tetherball. We all laugh at each other and cheer when we make points. All of my friends will tell you that recess is a fun part of the day.

Step up to Writing: Handy Pages Intermediate Book pg. 7 Making a Sundae If you are going to build a sundae, do it right! Start by taking at least three scoops of vanilla ice cream and placing them in your bowl. The bowl should be spacious enough to hold all of the goodies that will be added. Next, sprinkle the ice cream with a small handful of your favorite extras. Any kind will do. Nuts and coconuts work well. Strawberries and blackberries are always welcome on an ice cream sundae. Finally, select your toppings. Some favorites are chocolate, butterscotch, and caramel. If you feel brave, add a mountain of whipped cream. Taking time to prepare your sundae the right way will definitely guarantee you a treat to devour.

Step up to Writing: Handy Pages Intermediate Book pg. 7 Making a Sundae If you are going to build a sundae, do it right! Start by taking at least three scoops of vanilla ice cream and placing them in your bowl. The bowl should be spacious enough to hold all of the goodies that will be added. Next, sprinkle the ice cream with a small handful of your favorite extras. Any kind will do. Nuts and coconuts work well. Strawberries and blackberries are always welcome on an ice cream sundae. Finally, select your toppings. Some favorites are chocolate, butterscotch, and caramel. If you feel brave, add a mountain of whipped cream. Taking time to prepare your sundae the right way will definitely guarantee you a treat to devour.

Revising and Editing Teach procedures for editing. Give students a checklist for revising and editing. Have students check for only one type of error at a time. Multiple reviews will be needed. Writing a Final Copy Be selective! Use word processing. Display final copies

Sources Shelton Academic Language Approach: Therapeutic Implementation of Written Language Skills Intervention for Students with Dyslexia - Director of Outreach & Training – Nancy Coffman, MS, LDT, CALT, QI Step up to Writing: Handy Pages – Maureen Auman “Composition: Expressive Language and Writing.” Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills. - Judith Hochman