How to teach writing

Why is teaching writing important? What kind of writing activities should students do? What do writing sequences look like? How should teachers correct writing? What can be done about handwriting?

Why is teaching writing important? Reinforcement It is helpful to see the language written down. Language development The actual process of writing helps learners to learn as they go along.

Learning style Learners need time to think when they practice writing. Writing as a skill Writing is a basic language skill. Students need to know how to write letters, how to put written reports together, how to reply to advertisements …. etc

What kind of writing activities should students do? Selecting the type of writing activities depends on the students’ age, interests and level. Simple poems, simple story, postcards, letters, filling in forms, writing narrative compositions, reports, newspaper and magazines articles etc.

What do writing sequences look like? Postcards (elementary) Altering dictations (intermediate) Newspaper headlines/articles (intermediate) Report writing (advance)

How should teachers correct writing? Partial correction Correcting specific aspects for example, spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. Using a list of written symbols (S = spelling, W = word order).

Advantages: These techniques makes students concentrate on a particular aspect in language. These techniques make corrections less damaging.

What can be done about handwriting? Teachers can encourage students to make their writing neat and legible. Special lessons can be arranged for students who have problems in handwriting.

The End