Providing young people with authentic writing activities: ten tips
Abstract
Encouraging authentic writing activities fosters students' creativity and can be a useful way of getting students excited about language and learning. Familiarity with writing cultivates students' confidence in their expression, and helps them in all scholastic areas. Jeannette Napadow of Oak School in Hinsdale, Illinois, submitted this effective practice in September 2004.Issue
Writing activities in the classroom can generate apprehension and intimidation. Similarly, the idea that writing is an academic event, limited to classroom experience, is counter to a curriculum that encourages learning through all means of expression.Action
According to a first grade teacher at Oak School Elementary in Illinois, effective practices for instigating writing activities include:
1. Pair up with a teacher from another building (this could be in your town or another state) and allow students to form relationships as pen pals. If possible students can meet each other at the end of the year.
2. Encourage students to write "reviews" or "critiques." They can critique a movie, restaurant, sporting event, play, museum exhibit, book, video game, hotel, or vacation destination. These critiques can be read to the class, placed in a folder in the classroom for others to read during free-reading, or published weekly/monthly in a class newspaper.
3. Promote written correspondences whenever possible. For example, if students ask for another copy of a field trip form, have them write a note. Or if they need a reminder to themselves or parents, have them write it.
4. Have students create signs for the classroom or school. Students can create an "out of order" sign or "Please clean your mess" sign.
5. When students go on vacation they can keep a journal and write postcards (including one to their classmates). Additionally students can take photographs with a disposable camera and then write about each picture in a photo album that provides writing space.
6. Write letters to thank classroom volunteers or guest speakers.
7. Write book reviews on bookmarks and put them in classroom books.
8. Enter writing contests. Check small, local papers for better odds that one of your students will win.
9. Submit written stories to children's publications. Stone Soup Magazine welcomes submissions by young people through age 13.
Visit the website at http://www.stonesoup.com
10. Take advantage of every authentic writing opportunity.
Context
These strategies have been used in a first grade classroom, but could be used successfully with older students as well.Outcome
Students were motivated and parents were impressed by the level of excitement exhibited by the students.Evidence
According to the first grade teacher, students were writing outside of school as well as during their free time.Posted On
November 30, 2004For More Information
Resources
From The Resource Center library:
Item number: M0603
In Chapter 12 the editors review what researchers have found that young children need to know about language and literacy, and offer policy guidelines for transforming early literacy programs. Search the Resource Center's lending library for additional resources on literacy.
Phone:1-800-860-2684, ext. 260
E-mail: rc-library@etr.org
Website:www.nationalservice.gov/resources