In this week's session  the focus was placed on Creating a Climate for writing.

In a differentiated classroom, the climate has to be conducive to writing. This climate will help to motivate students during the writing process. To establish this writing climate a teacher has to bare some key points in mind.

The teacher has to ensure it is a comfortable and exciting place for any student author. Also, the physical and psychological environment should be established with the students’ individual needs in mind.  The lessons should include activities that motivate and challenge the students. The teacher can use various writing strategies, materials to intrigue the writers. The climate should make students feel secure in taking risks with their ideas and skills during writing exercises. Students should be encouraged to view their mistakes as opportunities to improve. Students know that their writing errors are corrected with specific, positive feedback and encouragement. In this environment the teacher schedules ample time for the writers to complete assignments at their own pace.

The students understand the value of writing to learn and communicate ideas. The teacher guides young authors to see the value of expressing emotions and thoughts in their unique styles. Writing experience provide opportunities for the students to see themselves as authors. The students develop a deep appreciation for published authors through
exposure to a variety of genres. The teacher shares the joy of writing daily with students.

A. Williams

 

Teachers set the tone and control the climate that influences the students’ feelings and emotions during writing periods.  Teachers should identify strengths and weaknesses in order to make a classroom an inviting place for writing experiences.

Lessons should include activities that motivate and challenge students with strategies, materials, and tools that intrigue the writers.  Teachers should provide an exciting writing environment, so the student looks forward to the activities. Build anticipation into the experiences, so the learner will be eager to work with new topics. Use “unknowns” to intrigue and stimulate curiosity.

Plan opportunities for the student who has little or no confidence in his writing ability.

 For the week 30th - 4th December the focus was placed on Creating a Climate for writing. 

In a differentiated classroom there are several things that should be happening in order for students to write freely. 

First the teacher should create an environment that motivates the writer. 

    The teacher can instill self-efficacy, develop self-regulated learners and develop internal motivation. Self-Efficacy is having the children believe in themselves and give them the authority over their decisions about the activities they chooses a the amount of effort they will exert. Developing self-regulated learners are where students monitor and control their thought processes in order to learn. Developing internal motivation is showcasing the learners enthusiasm  and efforts used in accomplishing or participating in a task. 

Secondly the teacher should create a safe and positive writing atmosphere

    In this environment the author's work is accepted. Students are eager to engage in writing experiences. The teacher encourages and motivates students while also challenging them. Students are able to express themselves in the environment. Positive expectations are displayed on charts. Uniqueness of writing is conceptualized and welcomed. 

Thirdly the teacher should create an exciting writing environment

    Razzmatazz to thingamajigs by creating authentic activities to gain experience so children would be eager to work with new topics. Materials related to the content would be used to build interest and motivate the writer. Cool Tools are used and varied in size, colour, shape and texture of writing implements. Students can choose the different tools they may want to write with, such as brushes, markers, pencil, pen etc. Material magic by changing the climate activities, use post its, computer or even have students draw instead if write and tell the story based on the pictures. Ready References means students have easily access to ready references. 

The teacher can also use find the right spot, find the write spot; establish author ownership; assess the writing climate. 

R.Hazel

In this week's session, we looked at "Creating a climate for writing". What this means is making an environment where students are comfortable and motivated. A conducive environment for writing will aid in self-efficacy, self-regulation, and intrinsic motivation. These three are important aspects of writing as students develop discipline in writing and find joy in finding writing styles that best fit their personalities. Along with self-contributing factors to a writer's climate, the atmosphere in which students work must be favorable. It must be safe, positive, and exciting. This will help students to express themselves and write to their heart's content without feeling judged. 

I hope that this piece was informative enough to help with "creating a climate for writing".

Until next time,

                     

                           xxx,

                           Teacher Martin