Writing Rules

Do:

• Write often.
• Let students see you write.
• Share the joy of writing. Model revision & editing.
• Share writing from many sources (including your writing).
• Let students know you are eager to see what they write.
• Display writing.
• Keep portfolios ( you keep one, too).
• Use worksheets only for mini lessons/support.
• Model use of writing tools (spell checker, good handbooks, etc.).
• Encourage/support revision/editing.
• Teach conventions.
• Celebrate students creative borrowing.
• Read aloud at every opportunity.
• Encourage temporary spelling as a way to solve a common writers problem.
• Respond to content first.
• Celebrate small victories (because it take a lifetime to become a writer).
• Publish student work.
  
  Don't...
  
  
• Assess everything.
• Correct everything students write.
• Do students editing for them.
• Let worksheets replace writing time.
• Be afraid to share your writing with students.
• You can do it. DO it.
• Worry too much about conventional correctness!
• Demand revision/editing and model it.
• Forget to read aloud often, with expression and joy.
• Overlook the tiny details, the little moments of voice, the new conventions, the special words that show your writers are growing, learning.
• Forget to point these strengths out to your writers who have a bigger need to know than you, than parents, than the district, than anyone. They need to know.
• Let any excuse in the world keep you from being a writer yourself.
• Forget to let students see how much you love books, writing, and teaching.
  
  Source: Assessment and Accountability Program, Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, NWREL, MMSD, Instructional Technologies