Entry #2 - How I Was Taught To Write

Just like with reading instruction, the philosophies related to writing instruction have changed over time and vary by school, classroom, and teacher.  When I was first learning to write my teachers used a traditional writing process or learning view.  My teacher’s goal was for me to produce a quality piece of writing and her method was to teach each component of the individual piece of writing.  While I do not, and will not, use this technique with my students; I do think it worked well for me.  I can remember being taught how to write a report step by step and then being required to produce a report.  As a student I had no complaint as to the way I was taught to write. 

            As a teacher I can see a few things wrong with the learning view method of writing instruction.  For students that may have learning disabilities, or are ELLs, this method lacks support.  The process writing method provides students with understanding the process as they move through writing the piece with the teacher.  The students are also provided the opportunity to get feedback from the teacher as well as their peers.  I believe this method would be especially useful in the early grades.