Celebrating Student Writing: Fostering a Community of Young Authors at Mount Barker South Primary School
In an inspiring conversation, Tamara Biddle, a Foundation year teacher, and Hayley Allen, a student support officer (SSO) from Mount Barker South Primary School, shared their journey of nurturing a vibrant writing culture in their classroom.
Here's an in-depth look at how they create an engaging environment where every child feels like a writer from day one.
Building a Foundation of Ownership Through Names
At the start of the school year, Tamara and Hayley focused on making every student feel a sense of ownership over their writing. They began with a strong emphasis on students' names—an essential element for fostering personal connection and identity.
Activities to Celebrate Names:
- Name Tags and Tracing Sheets: Students had name tags on their desks and engaged in activities like writing and tracing their names using wipe-clean sheets.
- Creative Projects: Children painted and decorated their names, participated in alphabetical ordering tasks, and explored various activities centred around their names.
- Class Book Introduction: Each student contributed to a class book introducing themselves. This book included a photo and a brief description, allowing students to learn about each other.
Creating Class Books: A Collaborative Effort
Class books are central to the writing culture in this class at Mount Barker South Primary. These books not only celebrate individual contributions but also build a collective sense of achievement and community.
Process and Benefits:
- Student Contributions: Each child gets a page in the class book, where they can illustrate and write about themselves or a topic of interest. For instance, they might write about what they want to be when they grow up or their favourite things.
- Variety of Themes: Over the course of the year, Tamara and Hayley have produced numerous class books on diverse themes—ranging from personal introductions to math concepts and caring for country.
- Dedicated Library: The finished books are placed in a special class library. Students often revisit these books, which enhances their engagement and sense of pride in their work.
From Class Books to Independent Writing
As students became comfortable with class books, their enthusiasm for writing grew. They started creating their own books during free time, further developing their writing skills.
Supportive Environment:
- Resources and Tools: Stapled paper and various art supplies are always available, allowing students to create their own books whenever they wish.
- Encouragement of Creativity: Children are encouraged to use their imagination and creativity in their writing. They often use elements from class books as inspiration for their own work.
Linking Writing and Reading: Building Strong Literacy Skills
A strong connection between writing and reading is crucial for developing literacy skills. Tamara and Hayley have integrated reading into their writing activities, enhancing students' overall literacy development.
Integration Techniques:
- Class and Picture Books: Regular reading of class books and picture books helps students become familiar with sentence structures and vocabulary.
- Interactive Reading Sessions: Children engage with books by discussing illustrations and predicting storylines, which supports their understanding of text and story development.
Encouraging Reluctant Writers Through Illustrations
Reluctant writers often find entry into writing through illustrations. Tamara and Hayley have used this approach effectively to encourage all students to participate.
Illustration-Based Strategies:
- Drawing and Talking: Students start by creating detailed illustrations and then discuss them, which helps them express their ideas and build confidence in their writing.
- Author Studies: Engaging with authors like Eric Carle, students explore various illustration techniques and apply them to their own work, fostering a deeper connection with the writing process.
Building a Culture of Confidence and Collaboration
The classroom environment at Mount Barker South Primary fosters confidence and collaboration among students. The focus on community and shared experiences plays a vital role in this.
Classroom Dynamics:
- Collaborative Activities: Students work together on projects and share their writing, which builds a sense of community and collective achievement.
- Encouraging Dialogue: Daily routines include opportunities for students to discuss their work and collaborate, further enhancing their writing skills and confidence.
Enhancing Literacy Through Meaningful Experiences
Tamara and Hayley utilise real-life experiences and everyday occurrences to enrich their writing curriculum. This approach makes writing relevant and engaging for students.
Examples of Real-Life Integration:
- The Adventures of Mocha and Chai: When guinea pigs were introduced to the classroom, students created stories about their adventures, linking real-life experiences with writing.
- Family and Community Books: Projects like creating family books help students connect their personal lives with their writing, making the activity more meaningful and engaging.
The Impact of a Writing-Focused Environment
The emphasis on writing at Mount Barker South Primary has led to significant improvements in students' literacy skills and their enthusiasm for learning. By creating a supportive and interactive environment, Tamara and Hayley have helped their students thrive as both writers and readers.
Overall Benefits:
- Increased Engagement: Students are more engaged and motivated to write, as they see their work valued and celebrated.
- Improved Literacy Skills: The integration of writing and reading activities has led to enhanced literacy skills, with students showing increased confidence and competence in both areas.
In conclusion, Tamara and Hayley's innovative approach to teaching writing at Mount Barker South Primary School demonstrates the power of creating a supportive and engaging environment for young learners. By focusing on personal ownership, collaborative projects, and integrating real-life experiences, they have successfully fostered a strong writing culture that supports both literacy development and a love for learning.
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