Expressive Writing

1. How do I correct children's spelling errors?

As children write, circulate to help and encourage them to spell words correctly. Point out Memory Words they've been taught and other words that they should be able to spell based on the phonemes they have learned. If children spell these words incorrectly, ask them to correct the words using what they know. For sounds that can be spelled different ways, help children consider the options and chose the correct one. Accept spelling approximations or help children spell words with phonemic elements they haven't been taught yet.

2. How do I correct errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics?

Circulate as children write and remind them of capitalization and punctuation rules that they've learned. Have children make corrections in their writing as necessary.

3. How can I help struggling writers?

Have your struggling writers talk about their ideas with you or an aide before they begin writing. As needed, restate their ideas in simple sentences. Allow struggling writers to using temporary spelling of words and drawings to express their ideas. When they are done writing and drawing, have them read to you what they've written or tell what they'd like to say. Help them write words for ideas they didn't know how to express. Read aloud the words you've written for them and encourage them to reread the words to themselves and to their classmates.