Improving Student Writing Skills - cse crafts

Frameworks for Classroom Time
allow students to write down their ten favorite topics for
potential use later on.
If a student-chosen topic is the right hand of Authentic
Writing, then real-world purpose is its left. In their book
On Teaching Writing, Dyson and Freedman (1990) write,
“Indeed, in the lives of children . . . literacy prospers if
and when compelling reasons exist for writing . . .” (p.
4). This purpose can be as simple as the above-mentioned
card to a grandmother or as complex as explaining a
local environmental issue to government officials. By
removing the stigma of purposeless busywork from writing
assignments, you provide a clear reason for student
work. And by allowing students to choose their own topics,
you ensure that students will be interested in their
writing.
Whatever the product, it is important in Authentic
Writing for students to see their work take flight in the
world. Publishing is an integral part of the process—if a
student writes to a local official, make sure you actually
send the letter; if a student writes an expository magazine
article, submit it for publication. Even a rejection
letter shows that someone read it!
Page 36 lists places where students can publish their
writing. Figure 2.1 on page 37 shows a sample parent
permission slip for publishing student work. You will
also want to make your administrators aware of the fact
that you intend to submit your students’ work to publications.
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