Creating a climate for writing 

Shanice Phipps 

Everyone has heard about the term differentiation , Differentiation is tailoring the needs of students . In a classroom setting , students should feel comfortable and safe . It should contribute to their psychological well being as well as their physical . When planning for a differentiated classroom the lessons must be plan based on the students level of knowledge , skills and ability along with materials , tools .

   Young authors would write about skills and highlight the challenges as a chance to improve . Once they get feedback and encouragement giving them a chance to do their work on their own it is evident  that in every classroom one should always encourage students to do work on their own . I must add, once students understand why writing is important it enhances their communication skills help the to express their emotions and thoughts , once these skills are consistent they will become great writers as time goes by and in return teachers can see students improvement as she will enjoy reading their pieces .

  Creating an Environment that motivates the writers 

Some factors that motivate students are self efficacy , develop self regulated learners , develop internal motivation. Self efficacy gives students a sense of having confidence in themselves which will have a great impact on the decisions they make guiding them . According to Zimmerman, Bandura and Martinez- Pons 1992 states students must believe in their writing ability to be successful in their writing experiences . Develop Self Regulated learners - Zimmer, Bonner , Kovach ( 1996) states that self- regulated students monitor and control their thoughts process in order to learn .

Self regulated learners monitor how they get the information and process it . Self regulated learners , self evaluate ,  monitor , goal setting and have a strategy plan. They put a plan into action and monitor it , They monitor the outcomes . They need to know about their thinking skills as well. 

Applying meta-cognition  skills is also important as well as monitoring oneself . It takes place when a student uses thinking strategies Ferrari and Stern berg ( 1998)Teachers can help by guiding  students though the thinking process that accompany writing during , after an activity . Students motivation increases when they get a choice  and take responsibility for his or her own learning  . Stipek 1996 . Once a teacher is excited about a particular subject matter it helps with intrinsic motivation and it becomes a key factor in developing a self motivated writer .

Create a safe and positive writing atmosphere 

Students are eager to participate in writing experiences . The teacher creates a personalized environment that can help to motivate , challenge and stimulate others to write . Some students do not like when teachers correct their work using a red pen they usually get turned off  even if they know the majority of the information . Once the environment is safe , they will feel free to do things to express themselves .

When writing instructional strategies one must: 

1.Use Slogan and Poster ideas

2.Use the 4 B's 

3.Cool tools 

4.Material Magic 

5.The shape of things 

6.Rainbow castings

Suggestion include : 

Supply reference books and materials 

Use writing lamps 

Give choices 

Provide Word list 

The use of centers - using rooms as writing nooks , centers stations 

Assess the writing climate 

As in a normal setting a teacher is to maintain the tone of the classroom and using a checklist to see students interest.