A Process Writing Curriculum for Kindergarten Through Third Grade

• Main Author: Dukes, Patricia P
• Format: Others
• Published: UNF Digital Commons 1990
• Subjects: University of North Florida; UNF; Dissertations; Academic > UNF > Education > Language arts; Primary Education; English language; composition; exercises; Education
• Online Access: http://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/82; http://digitalcommons.unf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1083&context=etd

The curriculum that has been developed for this project is designed to promote the implementation of process writing in kindergarten through third grade classrooms. Writing activities are planned within the content areas and present writing as a natural way to communicate throughout daily activities. The review of research reflects over fifteen years of work that has predominantly been carried out in classroom settings with elementary school students and teachers. Patterns of writing development have been identified that indicate a positive correlation between the students skills attainment and purposeful reading and writing experiences. The plan incorporates individualized instructional strategies that have evolved as a result of the findings of the researchers and teachers who have studied the process writing approach. Procedures for conferencing and teacher modeling techniques are illustrated in this project. The curriculum establishes the atmosphere of the classroom and outlines the stages of the writing process. Journal writing is planned as a daily activity with additional ongoing activities which encourage purposeful writing. The plan for the content areas is consistent with the whole language perspective. A culminating activity is included to provide an opportunity for students to apply the skills they have learned throughout the year. The evaluation of this project was accomplished through interviews with teachers and the presentation of an inservice program. Samples of writing that the students were currently producing were used to identify developmental stages and to model teaching techniques that were suggested in the plan. This curriculum presents writing as an integral part of daily classroom activities. The goal is for children to learn to write by writing and to develop a sense of authorship.