Comprehensive Writing Instruction
Improve student writing with:
Genre studies & lessons
Animations & web tools
Professional development
Highlights of Writing Matters:
When teachers log on to the Writing Matters portal, they have access to complete lesson plans, classroom visuals and an online location to collect, evaluate and publish student work. The program provides curriculum-based multimedia activities and tutorials that are instructionally relevant and motivating to high-tech teens, including:
Related Research:
Writing Next: Effective Strategies to Improve Writing of Adolescents in Middle and High Schools
Improving Literacy Instruction in Middle and High Schools: A Guide for Principals [6-12]
The Neglected ‘R’: The Need for a Writing Revolution
The Workshop Model
Writing Matters units follow the conventions of the writer’s workshop model, incorporating the steps of brainstorming ideas, getting organized, drafting, revising, editing and publishing. Each lesson includes a 10 to 15 minute mini lesson followed by extended time for students to write independently.
View a sample lesson plan from "Writing Memoir"
The Mini Lesson
Each mini lesson introduces a specific skill in the writing process and builds on past lessons. Since it is important for students to have models of polished writing and also to see the struggles and successes of the writing process, teachers are trained to craft their own written pieces as a way to demonstrate the steps involved.
View a sample animation from "Feature Articles"
Writer’s Work Time
During Writer’s Work Time, students apply what they have learned to their own writing. Most importantly, they are provided with an extended period of time to write. It is their chance to try out new strategies, work through writing blocks, experiment with different approaches, and reread and revise their work.
View video of a classroom implementing Writing Matters (coming soon)
Sharing
Each lesson concludes with an opportunity for teachers and students to review the main teaching point and to celebrate what has been accomplished. Collaboration with peers is integral to the “sharing” process. Students regularly compare their struggles and successes. These collaborations help to create a classroom community of writers, providing growth opportunities for all involved. Contact us to learn more about the many ways students and teachers share their work.
Signup for a trial of the online classroom
Publishing
As the culmination of each unit, students publish their work online for their peers, communities, and parents. Teachers can customize their class eZine (online magazine) as well as identify specific writing submissions as public (available to the world) or private (available only to an approved community). When students are ready to publish for a wider audience, they can join a nationwide community of writers through our safe and secure online writing community. Students and teachers can search and explore writing from similar schools to see what other young people are writing about.
Watch a demo of the publishing tool
Authentic Genre Writing
Writing Matters creates a dynamic learning environment by approaching writing instruction through genre study. This method of instruction immerses students in a wide range of craft strategies and habits of mind through authentic writing tasks. According to Heather Lattimer, one of Writing Matters’ authors, genre study allows students to dig in by thinking about both process and structure. Writing Matters instruction covers several highly motivating genres, spanning fiction and non-fiction, and addressing narrative, persuasive and expository forms.
More information about the genres:Animations
Story-based animations offer teachers another way to introduce craft and editing strategies to students. Every Writing Matters unit contains a series of short introductory animations that preview skills and strategies that will be addressed in upcoming lessons. Featured are a cast of fun characters comprised of middle schoolers - JT, DD, KC and Z - and their teachers - Mr. E. and Professor P.
Take a look at two animation features used to support feature article writing:
Introductory Animations:
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This introductory animation acquaints students with the purpose of feature articles and challenges them to begin generating topics that make them laugh, cry and think! |
Think Aloud Animations:
Recognizing that many students need extra help to learn complex skills and strategies, Writing Matters presents several animated think alouds that show how characters JT and his classmates work through challenging writing tasks. Think alouds provide a transition to independent writing and a review for individual students who require more scaffolding in order to get started.
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Find Your Angle. This think aloud animation addresses the importance of finding a unique angle for a feature article. JT shows us his approach to putting his own spin on his article about mp3 players. |
Managing Learning
Our interactive online classroom allows teachers to monitor students’ progress through all stages of the writing process. Teachers and students can access, share, and revise writing from school or home. Students are encouraged to review each other’s work and offer feedback in a safe and controlled online environment.
Watch a demo of the interactive online classroom
School Support
Teaching Matters offers professional development in effective writing instruction to accompany Writing Matters instructional units. Support models vary to meet the differing needs of participating schools. Examples of available support include: introductory and advanced institutes for language arts teachers and coaches, online-webinars, and in-class coaching (NY, NJ, CT only).
