Analyzing Writing

Analyzing Writing Data

Elaine Williams Allen

Walden University

August 23, 2012

Abstract

A balanced literacy program should contain culturally responsive writing alongside its culturally responsive reading. It is a long held belief among educators that better readers make better writers, and through daily practice this can become a reality. This paper will examine the three stages of writing, and the writing portion of the Trophy Reading Series, for its effectiveness as culturally relevant pedagogy. It approaches the teaching of writing as a process that should be taught systemically. Included in this process are the traits of good writers. Additionally, in this era of new technologies, more resources are available to inform the instruction of writing that is inclusive.

Analyzing Writing Data

Writing effectively is a learned process that is both a science and an art. Just as it takes hours and years of practice to become good at a craft, the same holds true for writing. There are three stages of writing: emergent (write letters, and scribble randomly); beginning (write from left to write, print upper and lowercase letters); fluent (write drafts and final copies, write more than one paragraph). As a student progresses through each stage, another level of proficiency is reached. Tompkins (2010) offers several recommendations for instructional activities for all three stages: emergent (use interactive writing for whole class and small groups); beginning (have students use the computer to publish their writing); fluent (use writing workshops). Providing genuine opportunities for students to...