Exploring Effective Writing Instruction Techniques

Dec 9, 2024

Patent Book Study Series: The Writing Road

Welcome to the Patent Book Study Series featuring author Joan Sedita and her book "The Writing Road." This session focuses on Chapter 1: Introduction to the Writing Rope and Chapter 2: Effective Writing Instruction.

Introduction

  • Speakers:
    • Dr. Pam Kastner, Patent State Lead for Literacy
    • Andrea Bell, Member of Patent Literacy Team
    • Joan Sedita, Founder of Keys to Literacy
  • Purpose: To explore effective writing instruction and Joan Sedita's Writing Rope framework.
  • Resources: Handouts and resources available via Padlet.

Joan Sedita's Background

  • Experience: Over 40 years in literacy as a teacher, administrator, and teacher trainer.
  • Founder of Keys to Literacy: A professional development organization.
  • Educational Background: Master's of Education in Reading from Harvard University.

Session Overview

  • Focus: Introduction to the Writing Rope and effective writing instruction.
  • Format: Overview of book’s key concepts and Q&A session.
  • Schedule: Five-part series, with recordings available.
  • Discounts: Book purchase discount offered.

The Writing Rope Framework

  • Purpose: To provide a framework for understanding the components of skilled writing.
  • Components:
    • Critical Thinking: Strategies for planning and comprehension.
    • Syntax: Sentence construction and elaboration.
    • Text Structure: Understanding genres, paragraph structure, and transitions.
    • Writing Craft: Word choice, audience awareness, and literary devices.
    • Transcription: Handwriting, spelling, and keyboarding.
  • Development: Inspired by the reading rope and refined through Sedita’s work in literacy.

Importance of Writing Instruction

  • Research Findings:
    • Writing improves reading comprehension and critical thinking.
    • Essential for academic success and civic participation.
  • Challenges:
    • Often neglected compared to reading.
    • Educators lack clarity on writing instruction components.

Research-Based Instructional Practices

  • Reports and Studies:
    • Institute of Education Sciences (IES) reports on elementary and secondary writing.
    • "Writing Next" and "Writing to Read" reports highlight effective practices.
  • Key Recommendations:
    • Daily writing practice and explicit instruction in writing process.
    • Integration of reading and writing tasks.
    • Use assessments to inform instruction.

Executive Functions in Writing

  • Challenges: Working memory and executive function weaknesses impact writing.
  • Strategies: Use of scaffolds like graphic organizers to support students with these challenges.

Teaching Principles

  • Seven Key Principles:
    • Gradual release of responsibility.
    • Explicit instruction and differentiation.
    • Use of mentor models and increasing writing volume.

Mentor Models

  • Purpose: To provide examples for students to emulate.
  • Application: Use both professional and student examples.
  • Specificity: Focus on particular writing techniques or structures.

Conclusion

  • Next Steps: Encourage participation in subsequent sessions.
  • Reflection: Determine comfort levels with writing components and areas for growth.
  • Next Session: Wednesday, November 16th, 7 p.m. Eastern
  • Acknowledgment: Thanks to participants and organizers.