Teaching+Writing

__**Teaching Writing**__
There are five strategies that can be applied in order to teach children to write effectively. The first is modelled writing where the “teacher composes the writing while thinking aloud about the processes of composition,” (Wells, 2008). The teacher does all the writing on a big board or sheet of paper to allow the children to observe the writing process.

Secondly is shared writing which includes both the students and the teacher. “Meanings, topics, ideas and choices of words are discussed, negotiated and decided by the teacher and students,” (Cloonan….2000, pp 26). The teacher is still a scribe as in modelled writing however students not contribute their thoughts.

Interactive writing is the third stage and is very similar to shared writing however the children are invited and asked to contribute to the writing. Students and teacher “jointly composing a large print text on a subject of interest to the students and sharing responsibility for the recording at various points in the writing,” (Cloonan….,2000, pp 33).

The fourth strategy is guided writing where a small group of students is assisted by the teacher with their writing. Students integrate aspects of the writing process that have been previously demonstrated to them. Teachers help children to work out what and how they are going to write.

Finally is independent writing “where the child writes with little support from the teacher,” (Hill, 2006, pp 301). Students write on topics of their choice and use the skills and knowledge learnt in the previous stages.

Children Writing - [| http://media.independent.com/online_onlys/upload/2007/01/children_writing2.jpg]