Q. How can we as teachers create an environment where children want to write?
As teachers, we constantly strive to make learning fun. Writing is viewed differently by each learner. Some people love to write and will find any excuse to do so...even from an early age children are compelled to make marks. For those children who do not enjoy writing, we as teachers need a bank of ideas to use to get them engaged and motivated.
At the end of my fourth year I have to create a Curriculum Strategy (CS) based upon research in the classroom. One possible question I would like to explore is 'Can we enhance boys writing through the use of drama?'. I have chosen to focus on Boys in particular because the 'norm' tells us that it is mainly boys who are disengaged by writing activities. This is therefore a good opportunity for me to brainstorm some ideas, ahead of my CS.
Personally I like to make all of my lessons fun and engaging. In order to create an environment where children want to learn I would try to bring the page to life. Take for example Writing a Recount. First of all I would start with the text (e.g. The three little pigs) and I would read it with the class in such a way that the children are part of the story. You could develop this even further by using images, 'feely bags', props, outfits, drama activities...etc.
Then we would discuss what a Recount consists of, and get the children to remember as much information as possible from the story...let them choose how they would record this initial information (this means the children can be as creative as they want). 'Feely bags' are an amazing way to stimulate childrens imagination...especially boys...who can sometimes need physical objects/props to help them remember, also 'show and cover games' where you have to remember as many objects from a tray before they get covered over.
Once children have recapped/recounted the story and they are fully aware of the properties of writing a recount, we would begin to write out own recounts with modelled help from the teacher. This recapping may be better in groups as to create a ZPD for children to learn socially from each other...this is providing particular support for those who find writing a chore...and there is less pressure to perform - we want writing to be pleasurable (or atleast bareable) if we are trying to create a positive environment.
To bring this recount to life we could make it more of a 'Eye witness testimony' or a 'statement' for the piggy police...who are trying to catch this horrible nasty wolf. Lots of boys/children love adventure and crime and anything that seems 'grown up'. They are more likely to enjoy telling the Police what they can remember from the 'creime scene', than to tell their teacher.
T.I.R (teacher in role) is also another great way to bring reading and writing activities to life! I remember using this technique whilst teaching about the BFG in a Narrative Unit in Year 2. The children loved it, and couldnt wait to write their own story.
That is just one idea, but in general my view is that you need to bring the page to life and be as creative as possible to motivate children to write.
Beth,
ReplyDeleteI loved the BFG when I was a kid! And I like how you've included a kinesthetic element in writing, which is definitely a great way to get both boys and girls involved in the classroom. The creative aspect you've incorporated is a fantastic way of encouraging students to think about writing in a new way (Certainly different than the "theme" writes I had to do).
I think your question is an extremely important consideration for all teachers of writing, because the disparity is alarming. I'm excited to see what you find out!