Writing: Composing a message using text SPC ED 587 April 3, 2007 Comprehensive Reading Instruction Program Should Include Each of These Every Day: Listening Speaking Reading Writing Writing holistic and authentic process of communicating by construction of meaningful text (Sturm & Koppenhaver, 2000, p. 75) Emergent Writer: Writing about going to visit a doctor. Writing with support from a computer program. Planning Composing Revising Steps in Process Writing Approach Basic Steps in the Writing Process: Prewriting, Writing, Revising, Editing, Publishing Plan Clarify the purpose/audience Generate ideas Organize info Compose Select words Spelling Syntax Grammar Revise Review & Evaluate Revise & correct Skills needed for writing Language Attention Memory Higher-order thinking Factors Affecting Development of Writing Skills for Individuals with Moderate or Severe Disabilities: Lack of opportunities to develop writing skills due to low expectations Provision of age inappropriate literacy instruction or instruction limited only to recognizing sight words Underlying language problems, such as limited vocabulary or incomplete understanding of grammar Limitations in working memory that affect planning, organizing, and composing text Difficulty with fine motor skills that make handwriting laborious and time consuming or, for some individuals with physical disabilities, impossible Limited knowledge of phonics that affects the ability to spell words that the writer wishes to use in a composition Lack of technology and supports that would provide access to the writing process (Singer & Bashir, 2004; Sturm & Koppenhaver, 2000) Text Composition: Ingredients for Success Step 1: Have Expectations Step 2: Provide Opportunity Step 3: Plan and Implement Effective instruction and access and support Step 4: Provide More opportunities Effective writing instruction includes explicit instruction paired with a process writing approach Suggestions of Writing Tasks for Developing Writing Skills Signing in/out of class Journaling* e.g., Fill-in-the-blank; field trip Morning Message QuickDraw or QuickWrite Creating books Shared Writing & Language Experience Stories or Snail Mail Pen Pals** Book reports/Science reports/movie reviews Writing Conversations Creating Poetry Resume/Job search documents/Applications Creating Access: Removing the Barriers to Writing By using Assistive Technology (AT) Sample Writing template Speaking Dynamically Pro Switch Clicker Plus Dynavox Word Predication CO-writer Writers at any writing level benefit from choosing the appropriate dictionary beginning to advanced For students beginning to write independently, Co:Writer gives assistance with difficult or content-specific words only when needed As a student's writing improves, supports can be adjusted or removed, moving the student into total independence Word Prediction SoothSayer is a software program that can help you type faster and more accurately. It works in conjunction with other programs such as off-the-shelf word processors, web browsers, databases, spread sheets, etc. Word Processing Write OutLoud Allows you to reorganize sentences or paragraphs structure and enrich meaning by selecting different words without losing their original work. Talking word processor. Auditory feedback, coupled with considerate learning supports, inspire students to evaluate the content of their writing and implement strategies to improve mechanics Word Processing Speech Spell check In-large Font Boardmaker Picture Exchange Communication (PECs) Input page from the Manual Templates Writing Stories Using a word bank Using a prompt related to wordbank Writing with symbols Templates Graphic Organizers Inspiration/Kidspirations Writing Poetry Creative Writing Writing from templates Frustration Frustration is cleaning the house. Frustration is making my bed. Frustration is a blackout and missing TV. Frustration is feeding my dog. Frustration is homework. But most of all frustration is running out of ice cream! Rebecca Granfelt Chocolate Soft, brown, melting Smooth It melts in your mouth I pick the last chocolate Nichola Baggarley At a football game, one thing you can hear is... Coaches yelling at players and refs French fries cooking in grease and hot dogs boiling. Cheerleaders yelling at the top of their voices The band playing for the crowd The defensive line hitting the offense (Ouch) Spectators rooting the team on for a victory, Coach, may I go in for Fred? No! Sit down. (Earl, age 15) Example of a sound poem Jesus poem. Poetry Templates Autobiography Poem 1st line: Your first name only 2nd line: 3-4 traits or qualities that describe you (use adjectives and separate them with commas) 3rd line: Brother/Sister/Sibling/Father/Mother/ of _______ 4th line: Lover of ______ (three ideas, groups, people, objects, causes, etc.) 5th line: Who feels _____ (2-3 emotions) 6th line: Who needs _____ (2-3 items) 7th line: Who gives _____ (2-3 items) 8th line: Who fears _____ (2-3 items) 9th line: Who wears ______ (2-3 items) 10th line: Who lives _____(describe briefly where) 11th line: Your last name only *Optional: Add the line "Who would like to see _______" after the 9th line or have it replace the 9th line. Adaptation: Students fill in the blanks (only) Give choices to students by using pictures Poem Templates Diamond Poem: 1st line: an one word noun 2nd line: 2 adjectives that describe the noun 3rd line: 3 verbs that the noun does (actions) 4th line: 4 things (nouns) that the top noun and the bottom noun has 5th line: 3 verbs that the bottom noun does (actions) 6th line: 2 adjectives that the describes the bottom noun 7th line: a one word noun that is opposite the top noun *By centering each line, the poem develops into the shape of diamond. Adaptation: Give choices to students by using pictures Skills needed for Handwriting Fine motor skills Visual acuity Spatial ordering and sequential ordering Visual memory Kinesthetic memory Misunderstood Minds General Guidelines Direct handwriting instruction should not be more than min per day but should have opportunities to practice throughout the day Teach handwriting AND keyboarding students need both. Teach handwriting systematically and in a functional manner: verbal and visual feedback and teacher modeling are helpful Proper positioning and materials are critical Seating Slant board Adapted or large size implements or grips Appropriate paper Free Handwriting Worksheet Maker:/ This link also has many other resources related to handwriting and text composition. Letters Magnetic Letters Tracing Writing the words com/multi- word_handwriting_worksheet_maker.ht mlcom/multi- word_handwriting_worksheet_maker.ht ml Writing the words Format Fonts ABC Print, ABC Sign, etc. Color Grey Style outline Horse A Yellow See Ball Week 13 4/10 Classroom organization and management of reading instruction Guest Speaker: Janet Vigil Chapter 2 Creating a Rich Literacy Learning Environment (Brinkerhoff & Keefe) Chapter 10 Organizing Literacy Instruction (Keefe) Fossett et al. (2003) Technology Activity #1 Week 14 4/17 Considerations for students from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds Demonstrate Power Point Books Rohena et al. (2002) Ruiz et al. (2002) Poetry Assignment Demonstrate PwrPoint Book in-class Week 15 4/24 Strategies to enhance student motivation and interest Literacy across the lifespan Chapter 11 Literacy for Life (Copeland) Ryndak et al. (1999) Pershey & Gilbert (2002) Week 16 5/1 Wrap-up of courseTechnology Activity #2 Summary of Progress Poetry Assignment: Due on April 17 With one or more of your students, create a poem. Poem must be the students creation, but you can provide support. You must also write a brief description (1 -2 paragraphs) of how you worked with the student to compose the poem Use the Sturm & Koppenhaver article for ideas... Remember that poetry does NOT necessarily rhyme. Power Point Book: Due on April 17 Scan in pictures, either from a published book or student-created pictures OR use digital photos. Have your text for each page typed in. Record the narrative (or have your students do this). Present your books in class. Have a copy of the slides printed out to turn in (just use handout view to print the slides, if you like).