Supporting+Emergent+Writers

Understanding Early Writing Behaviors: Chapters 15-18 in __Literacy Beginnings__ pages 147-181. "The fastest way to teach a child to read is to teach him to write." Mem Fox


 * Please read pages 147-181. Respond to all 10 questions in 50 words or more for each question. Read the question, type your response in the box, and it "POST" at the bottom of the box to upload your response. **

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 * Your response must be posted by midnight on March 29th. **


 * Please let me know your full name if you have a nickname as your username. Email andrea.hornbeak@cfisd.net if you have any questions. **

1. Mem Fox says, "The fastest way to teach a child to read is to teach him to write." What do you think about that quote?

2. Marie Clay suggests that children are not inherently frustrated by the writing task, but rather, are intrigued by it, especially if we respond with enthusiasm. Discuss your observances of this belief in your classroom.

3. How do you encourage pursposeful writing in your PK classroom?

4. Please describe the important differences between shared/interactive writing and independent writing and drawing.

5. Discuss why drawing, or illustrating, is very important in the writing process.

6. Bookmaking is discussed beginning on page 163. Discuss why it is so valuable to teach children to "make" books as opposed to write and/or draw on a single piece of paper. How will you implement bookmaking in you classroom?

7. Explain how using language help support early writing behaviors? (p. 171)

8. Explain how using mentor texts help children draw and write their own books.

9. How are writing and reading a connected process?

10. After reading Chapter 18, tell us about two different ways that you will expose your learners to the writing process and help them as they become writers.