Teachers model a broad range of text experiences, as well as natural book talk. Students reflect on their own behaviors as readers and writers, setting high standards for their learning, and observing and evaluating their growth over time. Writing Across the Curriculum Writing for authentic purposes for sustained periods of time on a daily basis enables students to experience the pleasures of authorship and enhances their literacy development. Students draft, revise, and publish their writing, supported by teachers who model effective strategies, confer with individual students and small groups, encourage collaboration and shared learning experiences which provide opportunities to write across the curriculum. Teachers help students demonstrate their strategies for learning, for reflecting on the learning process, and for self-assessing their development as readers.
Students make decisions about topic choice, appropriate genre, purpose, and audience.
Spelling is the visual vehicle that carries meaning and is taught within the context of the writing process. In order for students to become competent spellers, they need to learn a variety of strategies. Assessing student writing reveals to both teacher and pupil what students know and can apply, as well as what they need to be taught about spelling. Teachers then develop an effective spelling program within the context of an authentic reading and writing setting. High expectations for standard spelling, encouragement to take risks to try to spell unfamiliar words, appropriate word study, and frequent opportunities to write, proofread, and publish for real audiences, will ensure spelling success for all our students, as well as support the overall literacy campaign.