Ch. 1 Simplify the Teaching of Writing

I am thankful this book has large margins- they are great for recording my thinking as I read!  The amazing thing is that this is not a strategy I learned until taking a graduate class last year!

The first thing I thought when I read this chapter was "Simplify the teaching of writing? Ok, how?  Because there are some stubborn kids out there!"

Ok, so first off is to have the students write for an authentic, real, purposeful reason.  No 'because I said this is the assignment and that's it'.  We have to make sure that children see the real purpose in writing and reading others writing.  We are constantly bombarded with the "newest and best" programs claiming to be the key to your student's writing success.  However, Routeman states that if teachers become knowledgeable advocates about the best practices in writing the joy and success of writing time can return to the classroom.

One important part of a method of teaching writing is that all the teachers, and not just those teaching in the same grade level, are on the same page with what they expect students and themselves to be able to do and not to do. Routeman described one school that got together and made a list of their evolving beliefs on writing.  This helped to make sure that everyone was on the same page.

Another thing to do to get "everyone on the same page" would be to follow "The Optimal Learning Model"

Who Holds Book/Pen           Degree of Explicitness/Support
Teacher/Student                    Demonstration
Teacher/Student                    Shared Demonstration
           gradual handover of responsibility
Student/Teacher                    Guided Practice
Student/Teacher                    Independent Practice
             
Also, Routeman lists "12 Writing Essentials for All Grade Levels"

• Write for a specific reader and a meaningful purpose.
• Determine an appropriate topic.
• Present ideas clearly, with a logical, well-organized flow.
• Elaborate on ideas.
• Embrace language.
• Create engaging leads.
• Compose satisfying endings.
• Craft authentic voice.
• Reread, rethink, and revise while composing.
• Apply correct conventions and form.
• Read widely and deeply- and with a writer's perspective.
• Take responsibility for producing effective writing.

Something I struggle with is remembering to think aloud when I write and read.  I know these strategies are part of the explicit teaching necessary for students to succeed.