-+++++++++Teaching+approaches

Teaching approaches There are different teaching approaches that provide support to children at different levels of writing. These are selected due to the suitability of the child and depending on the level of difficulty of the task for the group of children rather than on the child’s ability.

**//Modelled writing //**
In this approach, teacher has full control over the class and simultaneously thinking aloud about the process of composition. Teachers take ownership of direction, ideas, and problem-solving. Modelled writing is usually done where the whole class watches the teacher model the writing. They are not participating in anyway in terms of contributing to ideas. This is a whole-class teaching process.



Suggested teaching strategies:


 * Teacher selects appropriate teaching points relevant to the learning needs of students
 * Teacher holds the pen to model the writing
 * Teacher makes the thinking process clear in selected aspects of writing a text
 * Allowing students to observe the action in the writing process

**//Shared writing //**
Shared writing allows the contribution of children’s ideas while teachers write, taking control of the pen, sharing of the composing phase except recording. The teacher focuses on planning, revising, problem solving and proof reading. Children contribute on how writing may be changed or improved, without recording.

Suggested teaching strategies:


 * Teacher responds to the writing ideas generated by students
 * Teacher and students share the planning and decision-making to construct the text
 * Teacher provides guidance to provide growing awareness and understandings about writing

**//Interactive writing //**
During this approach, the teacher may work with the whole class or in smaller groups to compose and record a short text. Interactive writing allows children to contribute to ideas and composing a text base on a shared experience together with the teacher. Teacher may then select students inviting them to come to the board to record individual words. During this session, students problem solve in spelling of unknown or challenging words.



Suggested teaching strategies:


 * Teacher and students share the pen
 * Teacher and students participates in constructing the text
 * Allowing students taking turns writing the next sentence or the next word

**//Guided writing //**
Guided writing is normally a group based process. It focuses on specific identified needs relating to the teaching focus. Within the group, each child writes individually while the teacher works with individuals within the group that may have a particular need. In some cases, mini-lessons take place where the process of editing and revising is practiced. This may also include focus on spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.



Suggested teaching strategies:


 * Use short teaching mini lessons
 * Allowing students to hold the pen and do the writing
 * Form small groups or give individual instructions

**//Independent writing //**
This approach allows students to write individually on a particular topic a teacher may set. It allows teachers to rove around the classroom while observing the children. Here are some tips when working with an independent writing child: - Sit beside the child, on the same level - Encourage the child to talk about their particular piece - Respond to the child’s comments; remember and take seriously what is being said - Avoid commenting on mechanics until the stage of publication - Be prepared to share your own experiences



Suggested teaching strategies:


 * Allow students to choose the topic
 * Allow students to do the writing