The Writing Process

       Writing is not an easy and linear process

Good writing develops from a messy, non-linear process!

You probably hear your students say...

Even though good writing is a messy process, it does not need to be frustrating, boring or hard!

In three steps learn to make writing more enjoyable and easier for students

1. Use Graphic Organizers

I find that graphic organizers are a great way to help students organize their points and thoughts during writing. Likewise, it helps students understand all the components apart of the process in writing without being overwhelmed.

Graphic Organizers Writing

I provide my students with graphic organizers as it is a UDL tool. It not only accommodates the student I have in the class that has an IEP with accommodation in writing but it is a useful tool for all the students.

2. Teach about Inner Dialogue during Writing

Students need to understand that good writers struggle during the writing process all the time. What makes a good writers' inner dialogue different from a not so good writer is having good positive reinforcing thinking. Allison Lienert a grade 4 teacher demonstrates to her students the positive thought process that they will develop during writing.

Positive thoughts are important to foster as an educator. Students need to change their mindset from I can't to I will! My mother who is not a teacher taught me the most important lesson. Whenever I told her that I could not understand my homework or learn a new concept. She would yell really loud over me " I think I can...I think I can... I think I can"! As annoying as those words sounded, it helped me to understand the importance of having a growth mindset to enjoy and be successful in learning. I now try to foster the same positive attitude to develop a growth mindset in my students.

 

3. Incorporate Writing Activites using Social Media

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2017-10-31-how-social-media-can-help-teach-good-writing   

Writing does not have to be boring! The Ontario curriculum states that students will W1. "generate, gather, and organize ideas and information to write for an intended purpose and audience"(p. 12). With students have social media accounts, it is a great way for them to share their writing pieces with their peers and a targeted audience. An example of an activity using social media is getting students to use sites like Instagram or Twitter to voice their opinions on issues happening around the world. 

https://twitter.com/hashtag/payattentionGOliteracy?src=hashtag_click

NOW YOUR STUDENTS CAN BECOME EXPERT WRITERS!

References

Institute of Education Sciences. [2015 Jul 7].Using Graphic Organizers in Writing (Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades: Newcomer Class).  (Video File). Retrieved from https://youtu.be/n88mM9_K6X8

NooNoo S. (2017). How Social Media Can Teach Good Writing. Retrieved from https://www.edsurge.com/news/2017-10-31-how-social-media-can-help-teach-good-writing

thinkSRSD. [2017 Feb 8). SRSD Think Aloud Gr 4. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/aVCUJiw7Ml8.