Having Kids Write vs. Teaching Kids to Write

October 16, 2013
Alix Horton

Alix Horton

I’ve been thinking a lot about what it takes to scaffold writing for kids- how do we help them become better writers? What’s the key thing- that essential piece we need to keep in mind for effective writing instruction?

In the past I’ve assumed that if I have kids write, they’ll learn to write- essentially, that just having kids write is enough.  I don’t think that’s true anymore.  Of course, having kids write and write a lot is part of it- but it’s not enough.

I love Nancie Atwell, an incredibly thoughtful and practiced writing teacher.  Below you can see her conferring with students.  Yes, students are writing, and that will support their development, but I think it’s her (amazingly brief) comments that will help these students truly improve.

Click here to watch the video and read the complete blog post


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