I know this is a blog about reading, but I came across a neat idea about writing today (and the two go together, right?) Typing lessons can be a great way to disguise modelling good writing in the older grades. The teacher can use a piece of writing that students have been working with in class - this way the texts are already levelled to meet the needs of each student. The piece of text should take about 5-10 minutes for the student to type. It may take a few 'typing tests' to discover the right number of words each student needs. Set the timer and tell students to type as much as they can in the time allowed. When time is up, they can compare what they typed with the original, looking carefully for punctuation and spelling, etc.
This seemed like it might be a worthwhile task, as it provides a fun and digital way to practice a piece of modelled text. The teacher who I observed using this technique, really had the kids excited about improving their typing. She downplayed the modelled writing aspect - it was grade 7 after all. The kids didn't groan 'we've read this before!" In fact they seemed glad to have the inside scoop. The class had a number of students on IEP (many of whom were boys) and it was great for them to have the opportunity to practice a type of modelled writing without it seeming 'babyish'. I'm going to add this to my repertoire...
Thinking back to boys literacy, this type of task provides technology and a challenge - it is a bit like a game. Once we start thinking outside the box, we will reach the boys in our class.
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