Writing is more than putting words on paper

In the week before students returned, staff were back at Dominic preparing their classrooms, collaborating with their colleagues and participating in Professional Development.

Teachers on the K-10 Writing team were fortunate to spend a whole day working with Educational Consultant, Ivana Jones, beginning the design of our K-10 Writing Plan.

We know that writing is a vital skill and having a strong foundation in writing will allow our students to confidently continue in all areas of their education. The Writing Team, made up of Beth Gilligan, Selina Kinne, Jane Doyle, Ganga Fraser, Sue Cunningham, Janet Marcenko, Jessica Agius, Leesa Maxwell, Therese McDevitt and Benjamin Fulton, began a conversation with all teachers this week giving each person the opportunity to contribute their vision of how writing can be effectively implemented in subject areas from K – 10.

Why do we write? When asked this question Year 2 students thought of many reasons including:

• So when we are grown-ups we can fill in forms and do our signatures
• So we can share stories
• So we can tell people what we know
• So we can celebrate things for people and special events
• So we can invite people
• So we can ask questions
• So we can follow directions and know what to do or how to get somewhere
• When we can’t talk, we can write
• So people who can’t see can use their braille writing so they don’t miss out

How can parents help?
‘Writing is more than just putting words on paper. Writing is a process of communication that plays an important role in your child’s life—both in and out of the classroom.’ (A. Prince)

As a parent you can help your child develop their writing skills by encouraging writing activities that are simple and fun. Why not give some of these a go?

• Leave notes on pillows, desks, mirrors, wherever. Have your child write you a note in return.
• A family chalkboard or message board is a great tool for encouraging your child to write messages.
• Make letter writing a habit for your child. Have your child write letters to family and friends. Especially ‘thank you’ notes for gifts or whenever is appropriate.
• “Year in Review” Notebook - Keep an ongoing record of your family’s life. Every family member can add to your family’s story. Include important events that happen during the year. On New Year’s Eve, sit down and read through your “Year in Review.”
• Give Writing as a Gift - For birthday presents or for other gifts, have your child write a story for the recipient.
• Journals – Give your child a special journal. Encourage your child to write in the journal as often as possible. “I really enjoy writing, and I have a journal which I usually keep to remind myself of upcoming events. However, I sometimes feel like writing about certain memorable times in my life, so I can remember them as well.” Kate Jones, Year 10 Academic Captain.
• Magnetic Scrabble – Put the letters on the fridge and create messages for different family members.
• Play Word Games – Try Boggle, Scrabble or even Hang Man.

Ms Sue Cunningham 3-6 Coordinator of Teaching & Learning