I don’t have powerpoint overheads for this class, so I will just provide some notes.

Good writing example -- Lincoln

Examples of writing of some primary-elementary grade students with disabilities, in response to a "story starter":

When I woke up this morning, I found a crumpled up old paper bag next to the bed.

 

note differences/similarities in similarities, style, composition, topic, length

samples of writing of normally achieving students

e-mail writing of individuals with special needs

"paratactic" structure: retains the forms of oral expression; lack of complexity of sentence structure, contains numerous simple phrases joined by conjunctions such as "but" and "and".

Calculation of T-units:

Total words in a passage, divided by the number of independent and independent + dependent clauses. One measurable characteristic of maturing writing.

"Sentence combining activities," to improve sentence structure

It started to rain. I went inside.

Englert’s examples of writing as a shared group activity in primary grades. Writing as communicating with a specific audience. Activities to promote communication.

 

Writing from models: thank-you note:

Heading

Thank-you

Elaboration

Address the giver

Closing

Signature

Activities to promote use of different types of words,

Action words (verbs)

He jumped and shouted.

Action helpers (adverbs)

The dog ran quickly

Describing words (adjectives)

The sick girl went home.

Use of these words, and number of total words in a written product, can be placed on a graph or chart.

Harris & Graham (1992)

 

Five steps for beginning writing

1. Look at the picture first

2. Brainstorm for ideas

3. Write down story reminder: W,W,W, What=2, How=e

4. Fill in story reminder

5. Write the story

Number of story parts can be graphed.

 

WRITER/COPS (U. Kansas)

WRITE every other line

READ for meaning

INTERROGATE self using COPS

Capitals

Overall appearance

Punctiation

Spelling/sentences

TAKE paper to someone for help

EXECUTE final copy

REREAD paper.

 

Peer revising strategy

Revise

1. Listen and read along

2. Tell what the paper is about and what you liked best.

3. Read and make notes-Is everything clear?

Can details be added?

4. Discuss suggestions with the author

 

Proofread

1. Check you rpaper and correct errors.

2. Exchange papers and check for errors in

Sentences

Capitals

Punctuation

Spelling

3. Discuss corrections

 

Six types of self-instruction

1. Problem definition

2. Focusing of attention and planning

3. Strategy

4. Self-Evaluating and error correcting

5. Copying and self-control

6. Self-reinforcement

 

 

Prewriting strategies

1. Brainstorming

2. methods for getting started.

3. narrowing topic

4. outlining major subheadings

5. outlining minor details

6. organizing ideas

7. writing first drafts

8. researching topics

 

Postwriting strategies

1. Proofing for spelling, mechanics, and general format

2. Proofing for adequate organization of ideas and content coverage

3. Revising based on 1 and 2

4. Re-editing and handing in assignment

 

Writing Process checklist

Time and Place

Understanding the task

Planning

Seeking and organizing information

Writing

Revising

Seeking assistance

Motivation

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