Monday, November 28, 2011

13.2 Write Around

Where and when did I find it:  I found this word working on the multi genre project in the course text, Content-Area Writing: Every Teacher's Guide (2007). I found it in the section about writing-to-learn, and going deeper.

Full citation: Daniels, H. Zemelman, S. & Steineke, N. (2007). Content-area writing. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

What does it mean? It's a strategy used to facilitate a conversation, only in writing. Students sign their initials on the side of the page and respond to a prompt. The teacher allows a period of time, and then instructs the students to "pass" the papers. Students respond to the other person for a period of time, until the teacher says "pass" again. This can be done in small groups until everyone in the group has had a chance to respond.

Level of familiarity: Reluctantly, I was not familiar with this strategy.

Do I want to know this word well, and if so, why? This one is a keeper. I really like the strategy for a number of reasons. The prompts have to be meaty enough to encourage deeper thinking; students can have a conversation where everyone is engaged.

Should others know this word well, and if so, who and why?  This is a strategy that literacy specialists, reading teachers, and teachers can use to encourage writing in the classroom. It might take some practice, but I believe it would be worth the effort. I can see this helping reluctant writers.

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