According to an extensive study by the Australian Education Research Organization (AERO) there has been a decline in children’s writing skills over the last seven years. From 2011 to 2021 AERO analyzed 10 million NAPLAN writing results. The key findings demonstrate a dramatic drop in children’s writing abilities and serious long-term implications.
The unnerving results indicate that more attention needs to be focused on teaching children how to write to solidify this crucial skill. Here are some ways to improve children’s writing skill and efficiency.
- Demonstrate effective writing skills. Consider writing in front of your students and explaining your writing to help your students better understand the process.
- Regularly assign writing exercises. Try to assign writing assignments often, including in-class writing. You can let your students analyze each other’s work and learn from each other during these exercises.
- Provide guidance throughout the writing process. After you have made the assignment, discuss the value of outlines and notes, explain how to select, and narrow a topic, and critique the first draft, define plagiarism as well. Discuss the value of correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
- Don’t feel as though you must read and grade every piece of your students’ writing. Ask students to analyze each other’s work during class or ask them to critique their work in small groups. Students will learn that they are writing to think more clearly, not obtain a grade. Keep in mind, you can collect students’ papers and skim their work.
- Use writing pintables and worksheets to build kids’ writing skills. Make it easy for yourself by taking advantage of engaging resources such as free writing pintables. Preschool and kindergarten children need lots of practice so print out different variations for beginning skills.
What are some other ways you have used to help younger student write efficiently?
Resources:
https://www.uww.edu/learn/restiptool/improve-student-writing
https://readingeggs.com/articles/11-ways-to-teach-kids-how-to-write/
VARconnection 