In-class support strategies : original writing

By this I mean those lessons where the student has to create descriptive, explanatory or creative pieces of writing. There are many problems here for all writers, not just those who experience difficulties in learning.

Whether descriptive, explanatory or creative, students may have problems both with structuring their thoughts and then with choosing appropriate style and vocabulary. Some may have problems with the mechanics of hand-writing also. There are several possible ways to support students' writing activities.

Discuss and structure

Discuss what is to be written with the student, making notes for them to refer to when they begin writing. In this way you are providing a structure for them to follow.

Provide example

Provide an example of the kind of writing which is required.

Write to dictation

Where a student is still reluctant to write you can begin the writing for them as they dictate, getting them to take over once the writing is under way.

Extra brainpower

Where the student has a structure that they want to follow, but are unable to choose appropriate ways of expressing themselves, ask them what they are trying to say, listen carefully, and then suggest ways of getting their thoughts down on paper. As you do so, involve them in the choice of words / phrases. Think out loud so that they can hear the processes that a writer goes through. This is particularly suited to imaginative / creative / story writing. In effect you are providing extra brainpower for them!

Voicetype and edit

Allow / encourage them to dictate their story onto tape for later transcription, or (preferred) allow them to dictate their story into a voice type system. Then work with them to edit the resulting story.

Paired writing

Allow paired writing with a more capable peer.