I committed myself to providing my students with a lot of low-risk writing this year. Note-taking, thinking maps, group planning, reader's response, and content literacy centers have all given and gotten a lot in this process. Not only do I find that their handwriting and spelling are improving, but their overall processing and willingness to write is blossoming quickly. My favorite part is that they are beginning to ask for and naturally grab for their journals...note-taking is more natural!
We too often put so much pressure on our students to write polished pieces, but if I'm honest, most of the writing I do daily is not polished. Low-risk writing is changing my classroom and helping my students see themselves as writers more easily...I hope you try it too!
