#2 - View Writing as a Part of English Language Arts

Writing is a part of English language arts and both involves numerous skills and concepts, but not everyone has the same idea about what they are or how they should be organized. One simple way includes writing as one of four language arts components, listed below.

Studied together as interconnected parts, the language arts components reinforce each other, creating a synergy to boost student learning. For example, writing strengthens reading and reading strengthens writing, spelling strengthens both and vice versa. When you leave out one of the parts it can make the rest more difficult.

English Language Arts

• Reading

• Writing

• Listening & Speaking

• Conventions [including topics such as spelling, grammar, and punctuation]

#3: Set Writing Goals

People have different ideas about organizing writing concepts and identifying writing goals. The following broad goals work well across a wide range of ages:

Create Different Writing Types

• Defend an idea

• Explain a topic

• Tell a story

Follow a Process

• Plan for writing type, audience, and purpose

• Prewrite, write, revise, and edit

• Use technology when helpful

Conduct Research

• Ask questions and seek answers

• Analyze information and give credit to sources

• Support ideas with evidence

Gain Experience

• Write often in different subject areas for a variety of purposes

#4: Write in Subjects Beyond Language Arts

Look for opportunities to include writing in whatever subject is being studied, not just language arts, and take advantage of the many benefits:

Write to Learn

Writing about a topic deepens a student's understanding of the material.

Learn Different Forms of Writing

The style, structure, and customs of writing changes depending on the situation and field of study. For example, writing a lab report in science is different from writing an analysis of literature, which is different from writing an essay about history. Students who write in a variety of subject areas have the opportunity to learn different forms of writing.

Gain Writing Experience

Writing improves with experience. When students write about multiple subjects, they have the chance to gain valuable practice time.

#5: Consider Tips for Success

Individualize Instruction

Every student and educator situation is unique, so the following ideas can help:

• Goals - Identify overall goals as well as goals for specific projects; learning is generally easier with a clear objective.

• Educator style and ability - If a particular approach to teaching is appealing, but you find it difficult to implement, or if the student isn't progressing as expected, adjust! Also, don't be intimidated by lack of a background in education or lack of specialized knowledge about a subject, just be willing to learn along with your child.

• Strategies for teaching - There are many methods and specific strategies to help teach writing. Start exploring what they are so you have options to support your child. Ask for help with suggestions.

• Student strengths and weaknesses - Strengths can help balance and build weaknesses.

• Student interests - Interests can motivate learning, although don't forget that finding out about new things can spark fresh interests, and skill-building in any area has the potential to create enthusiasm.

Create Routine

Writing a little each day generally goes much farther than writing a lot infrequently.

Discuss Ideas

Discussion can be an engaging way to stimulate and share thinking before and during any writing project. Writing can be a solo activity, but it is often more productive and fun when involving others.

Provide Direct Instruction and Feedback

Some students are intuitive writers who don't need a lot of help to improve, but many will need a generous amount of direct instruction. Just as you would offer specific instructions for learning how to set the table, play the piano, shoot a basketball, or drive a car, take an active role in helping your child learn to write. Parent-friendly curriculum resources of all types are available to meet the needs of your family.

Writing feedback has a major impact on student learning. Let students know how well they met writing goals and how well they used their writing skills. The objective, as described by educator Stephen North, should be to improve the skills of the writer, not to create a perfect piece of writing (p. 438).

Please ask for assistance if you need help with setting goals, selecting resources, or giving feedback.