Writing, Grades 2-3
Classroom Management
The following tips may prove helpful in creating an atmosphere conducive to writing.
Writing areas do not need to be elaborate. Use shelves for supplies and a small table for publishing. Creating multiple writing areas, one for each specific aspect of the writing process, can help eliminate competition for resources and space (for example, create a materials area, help area, publishing area, reading area, and so on.) Have students help you set up these areas so they feel involved in the creation of their writing spaces and are familiar with the available materials and resources.
Writing Folders, which help students keep their writing organized, are invaluable tools for teacher and student assessments. Students should label each piece of writing with their name, the date, and the focus of the writing process (e.g., planning, revising, and so on). Keep all your students' folders in a file drawer or plastic container in a central location. Student helpers may hand out Writing Folders during writing times, and students should feel free to get their folders during Workshop.
A few simple rules, generated with your students, set a positive tone for a supportive and constructive writing atmosphere. Some rules that might be appropriate are:
At the beginning of the year, students' writing sessions may only
last for about ten to fifteen minutes before Writing Seminar. But
as the year goes on and as they become more experienced writers,
students will be able to spend more time on a single writing
assignment. Workshop offers the perfect setting for extended work
on in-progress writing assignments. Although writing is generally
considered part of the language arts block, it can and should be
integrated into science, math, and social studies curricula. What
is most important is that students write regularly each day.
The following tips may prove helpful in creating an atmosphere conducive to writing.
Writing areas do not need to be elaborate. Use shelves for supplies and a small table for publishing. Creating multiple writing areas, one for each specific aspect of the writing process, can help eliminate competition for resources and space (for example, create a materials area, help area, publishing area, reading area, and so on.) Have students help you set up these areas so they feel involved in the creation of their writing spaces and are familiar with the available materials and resources.
Writing Folders, which help students keep their writing organized, are invaluable tools for teacher and student assessments. Students should label each piece of writing with their name, the date, and the focus of the writing process (e.g., planning, revising, and so on). Keep all your students' folders in a file drawer or plastic container in a central location. Student helpers may hand out Writing Folders during writing times, and students should feel free to get their folders during Workshop.
A few simple rules, generated with your students, set a positive tone for a supportive and constructive writing atmosphere. Some rules that might be appropriate are:
- Do not interrupt the teacher when the teacher is writing or working with another student.
- Keep the noise level down. Authors are working!
- During writing time, everyone should be involved with a writing-related activity (i.e., planning, drafting, revising, publishing, reading, browsing, researching, using the writing areas, or working with a peer).
