Overview

Writing is the process of conveying ideas to an audience through printed language.

As children write they are able to communicate their ideas to others, to clarify their thoughts for themselves and to demonstrate their knowledge about various topics.

Competent writers can:

• either select a topic of their own choosing or write to a prompt
• organize their writing so that it makes sense
• write for different purposes and for different audiences
• use language effectively 

Competent writers understand and use:

• the writer's craft 
• the steps of the writing process-planning, drafting, revising, editing and publishing
• personal voice in their writing
• the conventions of our language
• language devices such as alliteration 

In an effective balanced literacy program, teachers

• surround students with print. 
• encourage students to write every day.
• provide many opportunities to write to real audiences.
• model each phase of the writing process.
• teach mini-lessons on various ways student's can improve their writing i.e. using strong verbs, focusing on one or two events rather than the whole day, writing interesting leads.
• integrate writing throughout the curriculum.
• have students share their writing with peers, who can then offer suggestions for revision.
• give choice in writing topics.
• set up a writing center with a variety of papers and writing implements.
• publish students' writing.

Students must write every day on topics of personal interest as well as topics within the curriculum.

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Macomb Intermediate School District Early Literacy Committee

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