Subject Area: Language Arts (Writing)
Title of Instructional Method, Strategy, or Approach: Guided Writing
Grade Level(s): K-12
Description of Instructional Methods, Strategy, or Approach:
Guided writing is useful for a range of teaching purposes, and is the short-term step between
teacher directed and independent writing. This writing strategy is often done as a whole class
activity, however, children are working at their own pace with peers and independently
composing and editing their work. The teacher will provide the student(s) with prompts or clues
for the student(s) to use as a basic framework. It allows the student(s) to consider audience,
purpose, topic, selection of text type, etc. when planning their writings. It allows the students to
focus on conventions such as spelling, punctuation, standard usage and handwriting. Guided
writing is known to help promote critical, creative, and reflective thinking on topics. This
approach also allows teachers to see how a student completes their writing piece, which allows
them to base their instruction more on the individual needs of their students.
References:
(2007, November). Teaching Strategies. Retrieved January 16, 2008, from English Learning
Area: Guided Writing Web site:
http://wwwfp.education.tas.gov.au/english/guidedwrite.htm
Curran, J. M., Welshons, M. (1993). Ideas plus: a collection of practical teaching ideas. Book
11. Urbana, IL: National council of teachers of English..
Glenn, W.J. (2007). Real writers as aware readers: Writing creatively as a means to develop
reading skills. International Reading Association. 10, 10-20.
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Harris, J. D., Ph. D., Perzynki, H., B. A. The web of writing using reflective writing as a literacy
strategy.
Rickabaugh, Cheryl (1993).The Psychology Portfolio: Promoting Writing and Critical Thinking
about Psychology. Teaching Psychology. 20, 170-172.
Oczkus, L. D. (2007). Guided writing practical lessons, powerful results. Portsmouth, NH: Reed
Elsevier