Re: I hate teaching writing...but I don't WANT to hate it:-(

Posted by Catherine on 10/21/05

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On 10/11/05, Ally wrote:
> Ok, I admit it, I HATE teaching writing and have NO IDEA how
> to do it! This is my 2nd year as a teacher. I have done ALL
> the reading (Fountis and Pinnell and all the other
> recommended books). My 4th graders can NOT write and are on
> such different levels. I"ve been doing writing workshop this
> year, but it's not working. What are other ways to run a
> writing class? Should I just let them free write, turn it
> in after they've edited and revised, correct it for them,
> and let them rewrite? Should we do more prompt writing? I"m
> so frustrated as I sit here and grade their personal
> narratives. Their writing is sooo poor...things that 4th
> graders should know, they don't seem to get. Capitalizing
> "I" for example, but don't even get me started. Repeating
> information over and over, completely disorganized work,
> spelling errors every other word, using no end punctuation
> throughout the whole paper, etc, etc. I LOVE to write
> myself, but I don't know an effective way to teach it. Any
> ideas or things that have worked well for you? Thanks so
> much in advance. Ally 4th grade

Sounds like your students need more modeling of mechanics.
Focus on one convention per day. Steep them in written
practice, perhaps sentences. Then review all learned
conventions before each lesson. Because we're speaking about
written work, students should see their review in written
form (rather than an oral review). Remember that the most
important facet of writing is good content. Utilize peer
editing. They learn so much from each other.
Catherine

Posts on this thread, including this one

• I hate teaching writing...but I don't WANT to hate it:-(, 10/11/05, by Ally.
• Re: I hate teaching writing...but I don't WANT to hate it:-(, 10/11/05, by Me.
• Re: I hate teaching writing...but I don't WANT to hate it:-(, 10/21/05, by Catherine.
• Re: I hate teaching writing...but I don't WANT to hate it:-(, 10/21/05, by Catherine.
• Re: I hate teaching writing...but I don't WANT to hate it:-(, 9/22/09, by ArtTeachFlorida.