Chapter+5-+New+Unique+Writing+Activities

= Implementing Writing in Unique Ways =


 * ======//Students respond to new and unique activities. Unique experiences improve the brains ability to store and search for information. teachers should use a variety of teaching and writing strategies in novel way to stay out of teaching ruts! Novelty is an effective motivational tool to use with content information because it generates excitements and enjoyment in the learning process. this is an effective motivational tool to use with character builders or self-improvement activities because it will focus attention and develop a learner who eagerly looks forward to writing activities.// (Chapman and King, 122) ======


 * The Following are different writing activities that could be used across the curriculum. They are designed to check students understanding as they apply information learned. They are also unique ways to provide students enjoyment and progression as they grow as authors.


 * Brain Bash:**
 * 1) Work in teams of three of four students
 * 2) list all possible responses to a question related to the topic of study
 * 3) set a 2-3 minute time limit for brainstorming
 * 4) choose one group member as the recorder to write the brain stormed list.
 * 5) praise the group with the longest accurate list
 * 6) compile the responses on a cheat of overhead


 * Community Connections:** Plan writing activities related to the unit of study to involve the community. Students make personal connections with individuals, agencies, and groups in the local area through their writing experiences. Here are some ideas for community connections:
 * write notes to veterans, politicians, or important leaders
 * create place mats with special notes and poems for nursing homes
 * invite a government official to share the role of writing in his job
 * write a biography for an important individual or role model. Plan a celebration to honor this person.
 * Conduct investigations and write possible solutions to environmental concerns
 * write about the cultures of the people in the community to honor diversity.


 * Dear Author:** Write the the author or a text. This experience will also develop students letter writing skills. Below are some helpful guided statements and questions:
 * 1) I like this text book because......
 * 2) You would improve this text by.......
 * 3) Why did you write about **__(b....l....a....n....k)__** in this chapter?
 * 4) Why didn't you include........?
 * 5) I learned from you that.......
 * 6) It would help students if you **__(b....l....a....n....k)__**in your next book.
 * 7) The part I liked best in the book was......


 * Eyewitness Account:** This writing activity allows students to prepare a report from "on the scene". This activity provide practice with sequencing, organization of thoughts, and details to describe events or happening. Use this expository writing activity in the unit of study.


 * Fact Frames:** Use illustrations to organize information in the unit of study.


 * Last Blast:** Choose one of the following prompts to write about:
 * The last movie I saw..........................
 * The last time I ate in at a restaurant.................
 * The last time I visited with a friend, we......................
 * The last time I went shopping, I came home with..............
 * The last time I had fun with a friend was when....................
 * The last time I received a prized possession, I was...................
 * The last time I felt excited was when.....................
 * The last thing that made me laugh was................


 * Mailbox:** Designate a special container for students and teachers correspondence. Display directions and topic suggestions for writing the communications. Use the box for suggestion, questions, or notes to the teacher.


 * The Swaying Ways:** Persuasion sways or changes beliefs The following are guidelines to teach persuasive writing skills:
 * 1) Chose a topic or issue that directly affects students
 * 2) Write your personal opinion on the topic
 * 3) survey others to find out how they feel about the topic. Gather their opinions to show that there is more than one side to the issue. Ask them to state their beliefs or point of view on the topic.
 * 4) Write your platform or beliefs. Explain why you feel this way
 * 5) Draw a conclusion stating your feelings and opinions
 * 6) Use your feelings and opinions to sway others to your side of the issue.


 * Vocabulary Predictions:** Create a writing activity where students use ten vocabulary words from the unit of study and create a paragraph in relation to those words. This allows students to relate their study with a creative reading/writing connection.


 * I found these different unique ways of writing very interesting. I haven't experienced any of them in my education and I feel like that would allow students to get involved and further grow in their writing just by practicing these practice and fun activities. The idea of group collaboration flows well with the writing scholar Rebecca Moore Howard. Rebecca Moore Howard supports and discusses the significance of collaborative pedagogy, method for using collaborative pedagogy, and collaborative writing in modern classrooms. Also, these different writing styles allow students to again follow Kinneavy's Four basic Purposes, which are vital to the writing learning process. Although, again very expressivist, I find that Chapman and King found well though out and effective new unique writing activities