Module 17 Discussion: Select a Writing Approach

1. 90-Minute Literacy Block for Grade 1:

For first graders, the literacy block should focus on developing basic reading, phonics, and writing skills in a highly interactive and engaging manner. Here's an approach to integrate both reading and writing:

Reading Strategy: Phonics and Shared Reading

• Phonics-based Reading: Focus on teaching letter-sound correspondence and simple word families. Use interactive activities like “sound sorting” (sorting words by their beginning sounds) and “sound blending” (blending sounds to make words).
• Shared Reading: Read aloud a simple picture book, modeling fluent reading while engaging students in discussion about characters, settings, and story events. Point out phonics patterns as you read aloud.

Writing Strategy: Drawing and Labeling, Sentence Frames

• Writing in Response to Reading: After the shared reading, ask students to draw a scene from the book or a character. Then, support them in labeling their drawing with simple words or sentences (e.g., “The dog is happy.”).
• Sentence Frames: Provide sentence frames such as “I like ____,” or “My favorite part is ____,” for students to complete in writing. This connects their reading comprehension with their ability to express ideas in writing.

Integration: The key is to make connections between phonics, listening, and writing. As students write about the book, they apply phonics skills to their writing while making meaning of the text they've just read.

2. 90-Minute Literacy Block for Grade 3:

In third grade, students are building on fluency and comprehension, with increased focus on independent reading and more complex writing tasks.

Reading Strategy: Guided Reading

• Guided Reading Groups: Divide students into small groups based on their reading levels. In each group, provide a text that is slightly above their independent reading level to encourage growth. Guide them through the text by stopping periodically to check comprehension, ask questions, and discuss key ideas or vocabulary.

Writing Strategy: Response Journals

• Writing in Response to Reading: After reading the text, have students write in response to prompts in their journals. For example, ask, "What did the character learn in the story?" or "How would you solve the problem in the story?" Provide space for students to express their ideas in full sentences.
• Focus on Revision: Encourage students to write drafts, and then work on revising their writing by adding details, improving word choice, and fixing any mistakes. This integrates reading comprehension with writing skills.

Integration: Students will read and engage with a challenging text, and then reflect on the story by writing about it. Through this process, they practice comprehension, fluency, and the writing process (drafting, revising, editing).

3. 60-Minute Literacy Block for Grade 6:

Sixth graders are now focusing on more complex texts and structured writing. Reading comprehension and writing skills should be integrated to develop critical thinking.

Reading Strategy: Reciprocal Teaching

• Reciprocal Teaching: This strategy involves students taking turns assuming the role of the teacher. Students will read a section of the text, ask questions, summarize the reading, and clarify any confusing points. This engages students in active reading and promotes deeper understanding of the text.

Writing Strategy: Literary Analysis Essays

• Writing in Response to Reading: After the reciprocal teaching session, have students write a literary analysis essay. They might respond to prompts like "How does the author use symbolism in the story?" or "What is the theme of the book, and how is it developed throughout the text?"
• Peer Review: Students can participate in peer review sessions where they exchange their essays and provide feedback based on a rubric.

Integration: Reciprocal teaching helps students understand complex ideas through discussion, and the writing component allows them to consolidate their understanding in a formal written response.

4. 60-Minute Literacy Block for Grade 9:

Ninth grade students focus on deeper analysis of literature, critical thinking, and more formal writing structures. The literacy block should balance complex texts with structured writing tasks.

Reading Strategy: Close Reading

• Close Reading: Have students focus on a short, challenging text (e.g., a poem or a passage from a novel). Guide them through reading the text multiple times, each time focusing on different aspects such as vocabulary, structure, tone, and themes.

Writing Strategy: Analytical Essays

• Writing in Response to Reading: After close reading, students will write analytical essays that explore the themes, symbolism, and characterization in the text. They will support their arguments with textual evidence.
• Peer Discussions: Prior to writing, facilitate group discussions where students analyze and debate different interpretations of the text, helping them organize their ideas before writing.

Integration: Close reading develops deeper comprehension of the text, while writing allows students to synthesize their thoughts and develop arguments based on evidence from the text.

5. 30-Minute Writing Class for Grade 11:

In a dedicated writing class, students will focus on refining their writing skills, with an emphasis on argumentative writing, narrative skills, and research-based writing.

Writing Strategy: Argumentative Writing

• Writing in Response to a Reading (Argumentative Essays): Begin the class by reading a short article, opinion piece, or a related text. Then, have students respond in the form of an argumentative essay, taking a stance on the issue presented in the text. Students should support their arguments with evidence from the reading and their own reasoning.

Peer Review and Reflection:

• After drafting, students will engage in peer review sessions to critique each other's essays, providing constructive feedback on argument structure, evidence, and clarity.
• Allow time for self-reflection where students revise their drafts based on peer feedback and teacher comments.

Integration: By reading a text and writing an argumentative response, students not only practice reading comprehension but also hone their ability to build arguments and support them effectively in writing.

Conclusion:

For all grade levels, reading and writing instruction should be deeply integrated. Whether it's through simple labeling and drawing in the primary grades, reflective journal writing in middle school, or argumentative essays in high school, the goal is to help students connect what they read with what they write. This approach develops both critical thinking and language proficiency, supporting all students in becoming more skilled readers and writers.