Dear Colleague,
Primary writers who have been read to, or who themselves are avid readers, will be the first to write fluently. They are the ones who have had experience with the pacing of fine writing. They've heard writers use repetition for interest. They've learned that several long sentences followed by a halting short sentence (or sentence fragment ) makes a point or provides punch. These students may not be able to articulate these sophisticated techniques, but they're beginning to execute them just the same.
So during this very busy time of year, know that the most important thing we can do to support writing fluency is to read aloud. Truly. The more students listen to exceptional writing, the more fluent their writing will become. So put down that extra worksheet, toss out that lesson you've been dreading (I won't tell), and open a great book.
Happy writing!
Jennifer
P.S. I've posted a lesson on "murky middles" for those who need one on my blog.
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On Hand: A copy of a reader's theater script for each student who will be reading.
Note: Scripts can be found on the Internet or in resource books such as Once Upon a Time: Using Storytelling, Creative Drama, and Reader's Theater with Children in Grades PreK-6by Judy Freeman (2007) and Read! Perform! Learn! 2: 10 Reader's Theater Programs for Literacy Enhancement by Toni Buzzeo (2007). Some authors, such as Katie Davis (Mabel the Tooth Fairy and How She Got Her Job [2003]), post scripts of their books online. I have a script for Andy Shane and the Very Bossy Dolores Starbuckle on mine. You can also create your own script using classic fairy tales.
Mini-Lesson: Have students perform a story for classmates. With reader's theater (also known as book-in-hand theater) students do not memorize lines, but read them aloud. Nevertheless, a rehearsal or two is recommended, as a practiced performance will increase enjoyment for both the audience and the readers. Encourage students to become the characters by using facial expressions, altered voices, and gestures. In other words, invite them to ham it up. Not only does reader's theater help improve students' writing fluency, it also aids in reading fluency.
Extension: Invite students to write their own scripts (original or based on published texts) to be performed with a classmate. Suggest they divide a sheet of paper in half and write each person's dialogue on one side. Then tear the sheet down the middle so the two may hold their parts as they perform. (You may want to make a copy for students' folders before the tear.)
Adapted fromNo More "I'm Done!" Fostering Independent Writers in the Primary Grades by Jennifer Richard Jacobson |
for primary teachers
