A Multi-Modal Writing Portrait

Kate Waterman
University of New England
By PresenterMedia.com
Current Writing Instruction
a glance inside my school
Writing no longer has its own block of time. With the
implementation of Common Core, all writing is now imbedded in the
curriculum.
Students now focus on a few designated areas of writing, such as
Making Inferences, Paragraph Formatting and using Context Clues to
capture what full-length stories, articles, etc. are about.
Journal Time/Free-Write Time is almost non-existent in the
classrooms that I sub in.
Writing instruction seems to be very rigid and intense; there seems
to be little room for students to make errors and learn from their
mistakes.
Writing has become more structured, which can be a good thing,
but it now allows students less of an opportunity to be creative and
use their imagination.
Current Writing Instruction cont.
a glance inside my school
Writing instruction allows children to write about many different
topics surrounding the curriculum.
Many teachers use a writers workshop to allow the children to get
feedback and contribute to the writing process whenever possible.
Time does not always permit a workshop, but the teachers try.
Writing instruction uses many anchor charts and organizers for the
children to use as they write. Helpful reminders are always a good
thing for blossoming writers.
Allows students to practice their writing at home through homework
assignments.
Students are able to use different forms of writing like charting, graphic
organizers, story maps, character sketches, etc. This is a great thing as it
introduces students to the many ways one can write.
o Classrooms were big enough to have a designated writing space.
Writing Nooks would be a great place to have students practice/process their writing.
o There would be enough time in school day to allow children more opportunity to be creative
and to develop their own personal writing styles.
o Children would be encouraged to write in many different formats.
o Students would have Journal/Free-Write time to develop their writing.
o Students would have a lot of visual references; there would be many anchor charts and aids to
help students with the writing process.
o There would be an endless amount of technology to use.
o There would be time to conference with each student as they finish a writing task.
o Great parent-teacher-student communication.
o More time for students to connect reading and writing.


I wish
Desired Writing Plan
Desired Writing Plan cont.
I wish
While searching for a great resource connecting the Common
Core and writing, I came across this great video. This has become
my inspiration as I become a classroom teacher. After I get a job
of my very own, this is something I hope to be able to introduce
to my team of teachers. I think this sounds like a great writing
program, especially since it was developed by teachers. It seems
to connect well to the Common Core and if this is what our
education system continues as, I think this would be a great
opportunity to connect it to writing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T2-HM4fPEQ
when Im no longer just a sub
Someday
As a sub, these are a few things I have seen in teachers
classrooms regarding what they use for writing differentiation:
Teacher Conferences (when time allows)
Graphic Aids/Organizers
Many different kinds of extension activities (homework,
book reports, etc.)
Online writing applications for students to practice their
writing
Student-to-student editing stations
Writing Workshops
Story Starters
Current Writing Instruction Differentiation
Providing Writing Differentiation
If I had my own classroom (soon I hope!), I would implement
writing instruction differentiation in the following ways:
Conference with each student (or have extra help in the classroom) as
they finish a writing piece to be able to provide feedback.
Provide more time for students to journal/ free write.
Expand topics for students to write.
Allow more time for students to connect reading and writing; use read-
alouds as an anchor for them to practice a writing piece.
Use mentor texts as a way to show students the skills and concepts of
writing.
Provide more technology for students to use when expanding their
knowledge of writing practices.

Desired Writing Instruction Differentiation
Providing Writing Differentiation
The Common Core has seemed to definitely affect the many
classrooms in my school. Teachers feel less able to provide an
environment that allows for creativity and a learning through
mistakes setting. In speaking to many of them about the
standards and how they affect writing, many teachers are
struggling with keeping writing fun and personal.
Through this class I have learned how important writing, reading
and everything in between are to young learners. They are all
intricately entwined and rely heavily upon each other. In order to
support our students, the new state standards and school districts
must come up with something that benefits our students in
every way possible.
A never ending battle
Common Core State Standards
Ehmann, S., & Kellyann, G. (2009). I can write like that!
A Guide to Mentor Texts and Craft Studies for
Writers' Workshop, K-6. Newark, DE: International
Reading Association.

Graham, S., MacArthur, C. A., & Fitzgerald, J. (2007). Best
Practices in Writing Instruction. New York: The
Guilford Press.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T2-HM4fPEQ


References