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"Modeling is the most powerful of all teachers."
- John G. Miller
Writing often tends to be an anxiety ridden task for many struggling students who may not know how to begin getting their ideas on paper or are afraid of making mistakes.
There are several strategies classroom teachers can use to ease the anxiety, including implementing a simple scaffolding strategy: The Ten Minute Paragraph. The Ten Minute Paragraph is a writing strategy developed by Kate Kinsella that implements an "I Do, We Do, You Do" approach.
The Ten Minute Paragraph
The Writing Prompt: Students cannot be successful in completing the writing task if they don't understand what it is they're being tasked with. Begin by clearly stating the writing prompt for EVERYONE. This may include defining words, restating the prompt in more simplistic language, or having students repeat the prompt in their own words.
Brainstorm: Graphic organizers are a great way for students to begin generating their thoughts and ideas. Give students time to work with partners to complete an appropriate graphic organizer.
I Do: Using your own graphic organizer, model how you would answer the writing prompt. Be sure to model, not only the structure, but the language you want your students to use.
We Do: Before setting your students free to work on their own paragraphs, complete one together. Provide students with a template that resembles the paragraph you wrote. Work together to develop a well thought out paragraph by filling in the blanks of the template you've provided.
You Do: FINALLY, it is time to set your students free on their own paragraphs. And, if you provide them with a tool similar to this template, your students will be able to use the I Do, We Do paragraphs as examples they can constantly refer back to.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: "Ten Minute Paragraphs: Making Writing Accessible"
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