Critical Thinking

Writing shouldn't...

• take a long time
• be used as a punishment
• be used to copy teacher stuff

Writing in the content area helps students internalize the material because the physical act of writing forces them to spend more time thinking about the material.

But I don’t have time for kids to write!

• Make it totally informal
• Use scratch paper
• Writing can be short!

I don't have time to read all that!

• Who says the writing has to be for you?
• Kids can share or read aloud or read each other’s .
• Just do some spot checks!

Add some WICOR to your class

writing

• quick-writes
• 2-column notes
• respond in writing
• explain how to do something

Inquiry

• Kids write their own questions
• Written Q & A
• Write first, discuss second

Collaboration

• Group quiz?
• project/poster/writing
• group competition
• teach kids-- let them teach each other

Organization

• Give a real purpose for notes
• Give a real purpose for planners
• Give a real purpose for graphic organizers
• Revisit them and use them

Reading

• Preview the unit or chapter or topic
• Write about what you think you'll learn
• share written responses aloud/small groups
• write after reading / after discussing / after creating

Remember...

Writing raises students' communication levels.

Writing helps students think deeply.

Writing helps you know your students better

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