Writing is one of the toughest subjects to teach. It can be a daunting task for teachers. Here are some ways to set a writing
foundation that will foster strong writing in the future.
During the first month of school, implement a school-wide initiative that promotes speaking in complete sentences. Speaking in complete sentences is important because we speak before we write. For the first month of school, focus on teaching students how to speak in complete sentences. This means answering academic questions, as well as non-academic questions in complete sentences. Then let them know the expectation is that they speak incomplete sentences at all times. Here are some examples.
Example # 1: Non-Academic Question
Teacher says: “Where are you going?”
Student says, “to the bathroom”
Teacher reinforces by modeling “You mean, I am going to the bathroom. Now repeat it. ”
Example # 2: Academic Question
Teacher says: “What is the sum of 2 + 2?”
Student says, “4”
Teacher reinforces by modeling “You mean, The sum of 2 + 2 equals 4. Now repeat it.”
Example # 3: Academic Request
Teacher says: “Give me an example of an interjection ”
Student says, “Stop!”
Teacher reinforces by modeling “You mean, an example of an interjection is Stop! Now repeat it.”
By requiring students to speak in complete sentences, this practice can be translated into the written form. The process for writing complete sentences becomes that much easier. Continue throughout the year requiring students to speak in complete sentences and it make life that much easier.
A wise woman once said
“If they can’t say it, they can’t write it”
That wise woman was me…
Until next time.
