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Assignment

ECC 414

Creative Writing for Young Learners

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Part A: (20%) – 3 pages�

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Article:

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Helping Young Children Develop Strong Writing Skills

by

Colorin Colorao.

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Things you need to do

  • Summarise the article

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  • Use you own words – do not lift (copy) from the article

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  • Discuss how you can use the ideas shown in your classroom

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Introduction

This article was adapted from two articles written by the U.S. Department of Education and was compiled by Colorín Colorado.

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3 important points

  • Why is writing important?
  • What can you do?
  • Ideas for Parents: How to Help Your Child Become a Stronger Writer

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Why is writing important?

Practical

Important element of student’s education

Important element of an employee’s job

An important form of education

Important outlet

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What can you do?�

Clarity

Coherence

Organisation

Problems that students face

Frustration

Discourage

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Tips for Parents of Struggling Adolescent Writers

  • The article refers to male students, but all activities and suggestions apply to boys and girls alike.
  • The article is meant for middle school and high school students but is can be used also on younger children.

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Understanding Why Students Avoid Writing

  • Article by Regina G. Richards
  • Gave 11 reasons why students dislike writing

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Tips for parents (Link)

  • Parent writing guides
  • By the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), Great Schools, and Colorín Colorado
  • Before starting to write- 4 tips
  • After writing – 10 tips to encourage
  • Students need adults’ patience and your support,

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Mechanical Skills

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Automatic letter form

Use of space

Basic spelling

Punctuation

Capitalisation

Lower level

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Mechanical skill

Mature Mechanics

Speed

Clarity of expression

Appropriate grammar

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Content skill

Being flexible in the writing process

Writing using different writing styles

Understanding the viewpoint of the reader

Writing with enthusiasm

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Day to Day Basis

  • Practice, practice, practice
  • Try writing for different audiences
  • Make language fun
  • Offer your children many opportunities to read
  • Encourage your children to examine different styles of (and reasons for) writing
  • Encourage your children to pursue forms of writing that interest him

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Day to day basis

  • Encourage your children to write about personal thoughts and interests
  • Make sure your children have what he/she needs to write
  • Take your children to the library
  • Communicate with your teen’s parents
  • Support your children's efforts to learn English

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Before starting – 3 tips

Brainstorm

Learn

Clarify assignment and content

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After completing writing assignment – 10 tips

Help to understand

Point out the strength

Help to evaluate

Help to check

Encourage reading

Ask for explanation

Give +ve feedback

Don’t focus on mistakes

Give a special place

Give respect

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References�

  • National Council of Teachers of English. "Helping Your teen to Write Better." http://www.ncte.org/parents/parents.
  • Richards, Regina G. Richards. "Understanding Why Students Avoid Writing" Richards Educational Therapy Center, Inc. Riverside, CA. May 1999
  • Strean, Linda. Writing Coaches' Tips for Parents. GreatSchools. http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/1100.