https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+on+the+emergent+writers&rlz=1C1GGRV_enGD751GD751&sxsrf=ALeKk02wEHsxBsFnbk7WqWAbAheo95SSUA:1603779377330&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=jUsYzqaAX39teM%252C5UlUCO2dgqHffM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kQe8ZkBud493UFJF1j60aYxohCCXg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjGs9Xgj9TsAhWStlkKHez3BPgQ9QF6BAgDEEs#imgrc=FH-umkXmks1szM
Stages
of Writing Development (Emergent Writers)
As a teacher and parent, I had first-hand
experience with many emergent writers. I can Cleary remember instances where I
was tempted to scold my son for defacing the walls. With my limited knowledge, I was puzzled as to
the reason. I ventured to seek answers from older teachers only to be told that
it is a normal practice. Today, I am thankful for the exposure to a wealth of
knowledge on these writers throughout my studies. I now know that there are
behaviors that would be exhibited at this stage and how best I can assist them.
For example, before this course, if a student complained of tiredness I would have associated it with laziness. But having
been exposed to these writers in my LIT102 course I now know the reason
for this is because their motor skills are not fully developed and as a result
they experience fatigue quite easily.
Teachers must educate parents on the behaviors to expect for these writers. I can share instances
where parents would use insulting language to teacher due to lack of knowledge.
On my return to the classroom, I would make it my duty to inform parents of pertinent
information as it relates to their children as a means of creating a warm and conducive learning environment.
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ReplyDeleteAmina, one message I gathered from your post is that 'Knowledge is Power'. Now that you have learned about the emergent writers, you are better able to help them as well as assist their parents in understanding them. I too was intrigued by the characteristics displayed by these students as revealed in the Lit class as I have never worked with them before. Like yourself, I feel empowered to assist them if I ever get the opportunity to work with them in the future.
ReplyDeleteHere's a blog that discusses strategies that can be used in helping these writers to progress through this stage.
https://educationtothecore.com/2019/10/teaching-emergent-writers-10-strategies-for-student-success/
Point number 6 stands out to me as it highlights the importance of teachers letting students tell the story of their scribbles and drawings. This sharing can be done via conferencing with the student, Author's chair or Students sharing in pairs
Hey Amina, I can also identify with much of what you said. Being a parent and teacher myself, I became very angry when ever my children wrote on the walls. I must admit that through this session I became more aware of the characteristics of the writers at the various stages of writing; particularly the emergent writer. Not only were the characteristics made apparent but I gained a deeper understanding of my role as a teacher. Therefore, I can better assist such writers by probably transcribing their dictated pieced or pictures, read to them and place greater emphasis on teaching the alphabet starting with the letters in their names.
DeleteYou mentioned that prior to your engagement in this course you would associate writers tiredness with laziness; I probably did too. One thing I have realized is that I need to balance the amount of time that I schedule for writers at that stage. I can probably cutting down on the time or giving them frequent breaks in an attempt to avoid overburdening them with lengthy, boring assignments.
Hey guys. I am certain that we all made a lot of mistakes, in our interactions with our students and even our own children, because we were not aware of the characteristics of their writing stage. However, I am confident that now that we know better, we will do better in the way we support them, in their journey to becoming fluent writers.
ReplyDeleteGreat Amina! I felt impressed that you are now able to make such beautiful connections with your personal experiences. I also like to second you suggestion about informing parents about emergent writers and what to expect from their child or children.
ReplyDelete