Teaching Writing

Although I did share write nearly enough this year, it was a start.  I guess I never really thought too much about it, but it makes total sense – kindof crazy that I had never done much of it before.  At the beginning of the year I would model how to write a journal and for writing assignments we would discuss ideas and what they could write about, but I never took a lot of time to actually share write and write an example of what they were expected.  Guess it makes sense now why some kids never got it and never produced a quality writing!  I often worried they would copy the sentences and ideas we came up with together, but I guess that is a start at getting ideas and writing themselves even if it’s not all of their own original thoughts.  As Routman states, “Shared writing builds on what the teacher has already modeled through writing aloud and is the important scaffold students need in order to attempt their own successful writing”  (p. 84).  If I want my students to be successful, I need to model and write with them while explaining the expectations.  They need to understand and see what they should be doing.  This year I found myself doing more of this as I had more English language learners and low academic performing students in my class than previous years.  As Routman suggests, “For all learners, but especially for our English language learners, challenged learners, and economically underprivileged students, shared writing helps provide the rich oral language modeling that stimulates literacy development (p. 85).  Now it all makes sense, and my instinct was right!   It was easier to do this whole group than even small group and much easier than individually.  Students didn’t feel as isolated and all of the students benefited.  Now I know that even though I may not have the same classroom dynamics next year, I will definitely use shared writing as a consistent teaching tool.  Often I will also link reading and writing together which will make the link to shared writing better and easier.  Routman states, “Shared writing is a powerful way to connect reading and writing to improve both reading and writing skills (p. 87). 

Routman’s ideas for using shared writing to do important word work was appreciated since I teach the younger grades and much of the focus seems to be towards middle and upper elementary.  The making words and sentences are wonderful ideas, and ideas I need to make more time for next year.                              

I also loved the lessons and dialogue used.  It reaffirmed the approaches I do use, and also provided suggestions and comments that will be helpful to incorporate into future lessons. The lesson ideas for tried and true ideas will be great for future reference.  The amount of useful tips Routman provides is great.