"Creating a Climate for Writing"
By: Shaniel Liburd-Bryan
Creating the perfect writing environment is one that inspires creativity and productivity. This can boost focus, spark inspiration, enhance comfort, set the right mood, and foster writing habits. As teachers, we must create that space for our students to help them flourish into the writers they can become.
The article "Creating a Climate for Writing" immediately captured my attention by starting with the comparison "When a butterfly egg is hatched in a proper environment,
It has everything needed to thrive. When a child enters the writing world,
He has everything he needs to become an effective author". With further reading, I was left in agreement with the author. It was very beneficial as it gave numerous strategies we as teachers can utilize to create our very own writing climate in our classrooms.
The article provides 10 differentiated instructional
strategies for writing, including using shapes as learning tools, incorporating
color to stimulate the mind, providing ready references, and using various
paper sizes to fit writing assignments. It emphasizes creating a climate for
writing by using materials related to the content to build interest and
motivate the writer.
However, the two that stood out for me were instilling self-efficacy and developing self-regulated learners. I have witnessed firsthand how motivating students, providing them with positive comments, and pouring into them that they can achieve anything can positively change students' efforts and give them the extra push they may need.
To help students with self-regulated learning, the article cited Zimmerman, Bonner, and Kovach's (1996) model that can be used to plan self-regulated experiences for writers, which sadly I have never thought of as it pertains to building self-regulation. The model includes:
- Sel-evaluation and monitoring
- Goal Setting and Strategic Planning
- Putting a plan into action and monitoring it
- Monitor outcomes and refine them
Overall, when it comes to creating a climate for writing it doesn't just entail the physical environment but also the psychological. Creating a climate for writing also encompasses providing tools and materials to bring out creativity, a space where positive feedback is welcomed and shared, and helping students plan and execute their learning.
"When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower." Alexander Den Heijer
Until Next time........
Hi Shaniel. You summarized the article well, highlighting the key points that encourage us as teachers in writing. I will be able to use these pointers to assist my students in becoming better writers.
ReplyDeleteIt's refreshing to see the emphasis on creating a conducive environment, both physically and psychologically, for students to thrive in their writing endeavors. The strategies outlined in the article you referenced, such as using shapes, colors, and various paper sizes, are innovative and practical ways to stimulate creativity and interest in writing. Good work!
ReplyDeleteHi Shaniel, you've effectively highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy to establish a favorable writing environment. I wholeheartedly concur that encouraging creativity and productivity includes both psychological and physical elements. The techniques discussed demonstrate a thorough awareness of the complex nature of effective teaching, particularly in terms of fostering self-efficacy and creating self-regulated learners. The essence of your message is aptly captured by the quote by Alexander Den Heijer. Well done for offering insightful advice to teachers who want to create a supportive environment for writing!
ReplyDeleteHello Shaniel, your post beautifully emphasizes the importance of creating a conducive writing environment for students. The comparison to a butterfly hatching in a proper environment and the strategies shared in the article resonated with me. I particularly appreciated your focus on instilling self-efficacy and developing self-regulated learners, both crucial elements in motivating and guiding students effectively. The inclusion of Zimmerman, Bonner, and Kovach's model for self-regulated experiences adds a thoughtful dimension to fostering students' independence. Your closing quote about fixing the environment for growth encapsulates the essence of creating a climate for writing perfectly. Well done!
ReplyDelete