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Extending Writing Skills

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Extending Writing Skills

Today we will be looking at...

• Review of last session• Handwriting• The writing process• Responding to learner writing

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Review of last session

• What are some of the reasons why learners want or need to write?

• What are the kinds of writing they do?

• Why do learners commonly say they do not write?

• How would you get started?

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Review of last session

• What skills and knowledge do we need in order to write?

• What kinds of things can we do to stimulate ideas for writing?

Encourage your learner to read their work back to you.

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Handwriting

The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.

Write with your least dominant hand

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Handwriting

Are good handwriting skills still important?

Are there still situations where handwriting is still necessary or

preferred?

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Handwriting

What are the basic requirements for learners

who wish to improve handwriting skills?

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Suggestions for developing handwriting skills...

• Comfortable seating and correct sitting position, especially if left handed

• Select proper pens/pencils.• Doodle letter patterns.• Use tracing paper.• Teach difference between print/joined.• Teach upper/lower case.

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Points to note on Handwriting..

• Work on handwriting should arise from learner’s expressed interest

• Stress that improvement comes with practice. Keep a diary, shopping list, messages

• Encourage breaks as pain in arm and hand are common

• Concentrate on the basics

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Points to note on handwriting...

• Many learners have had negative experiences such as refused cheque.

• Some learners may have been forced to write with right hand.

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The Writing ProcessoBrainstorm topic & ideas -

discussion

oWrite first draftoRead over draft

oRe-write draft

oEditoRe-write or re-arrange

oProofread

oFinal Copy

oCelebrate

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Stimulating Ideas for Writing

• Write about hobbies & interests.• Write about a favourite song or

poem.• Plan an outing or a holiday.• Write a children’s story book.• Use stimulus materials:

pictures/objects – digital camera• Provide models of different kinds of

writing – formal and informal.

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More ideas for getting started...

• Name and address • Addressing envelopes• Days of the week, dates, months• Writing numbers• Writing grocery lists• Keep a diary, appointments

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The Writing Process

Pre-Writing Brainstorm topic & ideas

Talk about ideas.Collect materials such as magazines,

newspapers, photos etc.Begin with your learner’s interests.Discuss, draw a web diagram, list

ideas.

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The Writing Process

Planning & Writing the First DraftDecide with learner:• What to write: letter, card, story,

diary• Who is going to read it?• Consider the style, tone, layout.• Provide a dictionary. Ensure learner is

familiar with how to use.

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Edit the piece of writing

• Read over with learner.• Add new vocabulary.• Rearrange sentences.• Add describing words.• Brainstorm for new ideas.• Check spelling, grammar, punctuation.

Be sure to include learner in the process

What can you do to improve this piece of writing?

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The Writing Process

Proofread

• Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Do not aim for perfection...

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The Writing Process

Celebrate • Encourage learner to share piece

with family/group.• Display on classroom wall.• Type piece.• Keep a book of learner writing

pieces or share in a newsletter.

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Writing Prompt

It was a dark and stormy night...

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When studying a piece of writing...Ask

• Is the writer able to spell simple words?

• Is it easy to follow the sequence of ideas?

• Does the writer have an understanding of sentence structure, full stops, capitals.

• Is the handwriting easy to read?• Are there errors such as spelling,

omitting endings such as (s), (ed) etc.

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Responding to Learner Writing

•What aspects do you feel need attention?•What aspect(s) would you suggest working on first?

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When studying a piece of writing...

• Concentrate on getting the basics right.

• Has communication occurred?

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Responding to Learner Writing

Do not try to fix everything

Remember to respond positively!