Embedding Writing in Curriculum

 As English teachers, we are not just writing teachers, and for that reason, writing needs to become a part of all we do with language arts. Some of us gravitate more to literature and figuring out how to set aside time for "writing" seems cumbersome. How do I fit it in? Actually, it's very easy to embed writing in everything you do in class. Literature discussion? Pose 3 big questions for the day's discussion, and have students write short answers in their notebooks so they are primed for discussion. Walking around the room will let you know who is ready and who is not, who has an interesting point of view and who needs more time to read. (You may have to push for thoughtful answers that are more than one sentence)

As Muriel and I ponder where to go next with our blog, we would like feedback from you who are in the classroom. What is your struggle with teaching writing? What has been particularly successful?  

In the meantime, I want to share a couple of sites that you may or may not be aware of, but ones that I have found helpful while working with inner-city classrooms.

The Teaching Channel - I've been a member of this site for the past five years and find it to be an unending resource of new and creative ideas for teaching. It is a good resource for distance learning or teaching with a hybrid model. [Creating a user account is free and open to anyone. The Teaching Channel hosts almost 800 professionally produced videos of teachers in action, demonstrating new and effective best practices in their classrooms.]

Writing Fix - Muriel has mentioned this site, "The Home of Interactive Writing Prompts." There are writer's notebook ideas, K-12, if you're ready to incorporate something new or want help with implementing writers notebooks; there are prompts for writing exams, mentor text lessons and so much more.

Universe as Text - This is a new site to me, but from what I've seen, it is inspirational and informational with notes and quotes from teachers using the site's prompts in their classrooms. "Navigating our Textual Universe through Reading, Writing, Thinking, and Teaching."

The National Writing Project - The gold standard for writing support - endless archives and inspirational real-life opportunities to immerse your students in the writing life. My very favorite writing exercise involves a walk with 3 or 4 stops or areas where you have students write about the location or something the location inspires in them. I've taken junior high students on a walk through the neighborhood surrounding school. We made 3 or 4-10 minute stops where students quietly took out their notebooks and wrote. Once back in the classroom, students pair-shared one of their short pieces. From there, it could be developed into a longer piece or perhaps it might be one that inspired research for a larger piece. Could you take students on a virtual stroll during this COVID season?

Check out these sites when you know students need a change or you're stuck on how to go further with writing in your classroom. Above all, allow time for writing 2-3 times a week. Even rough drafts and journal entries inspire new thinking and lead to more thoughtful writing.

Please share some of your successes and struggles.