Creating a Climate for Writing

Welcome Back! 

I am so happy to be back this week with another blog post. But... 

This is the final post as the semester comes to an end.

Before I log off.... We have one last thing to talk about. 

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We have been engaged in some interesting topics of discussion

 genres of writing, the traits of writing, writing workshops, the best practices and the different strategies

Now it is time to tie everything together.  This week's blog post is all about 

Creating a Climate for Writing

The climate we are speaking as it relates to writing, refers to the level of comfort or the level of excitement for any student author. This not only includes the physical environment, but also the psychological environment as well. Students should feel challenged yet motivated to write. 

In order to create an environment that motivates the writer, there are three steps you should take. 

1. Instill Self- Efficacy
   This refers to that "I Believe in Me" feeling. Students must believe in their own writing ability. This takes us back to the blog about the best practices. In order for students to be confident in heir writing, they must receive positive comments and suggestions on how to make their writing better (Feedback). 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Develop Self-Regulated Learners
   This refers to being able to manage, monitor and control emotions and thought processes in order to learn. There is a thought process that must accompany the writing experience. Students share their thoughts out loud so that teachers can help to monitor them. This then helps the students to use intentional thinking strategies in order to monitor their own thoughts (metacognition). 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Develop Internal Motivation
   This refers to the students being enthusiasm, effort and energy to accomplish a task based solely on their internal motivation or desire. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Another aspect of Creating a Climate for Writing is being able to 

Create a Safe Space and Positive Writing Atmosphere. 

Everyone is different and we must learn to accept each other's individual uniqueness. In a safe space, every author's work is accepted and is treated with respect. When this happens, students are yearning to begin writing and also to share their pieces. It is through this safe and positive environment that students learn to take risks when writing. 

The teacher can hang signs or posters that encourage students and emphasizes the uniqueness of each individual. 

It is also important to "Find the Right Spot for the Write Spot" 

I hope you noticed the play on words there. 👍

As teachers, it is important that we relate the writing areas to the area of study. This may include having a comfortable corner for students to sit in while they write. 

It is also important to Establish Author Ownership by: 

1. Being aware of emotions and feelings
   As teachers, it is vital that we are conscious of the feelings of our students as they approach the writing task. Having struggling students write about familiar topics can help to build their confidence. Thus, making room for a more successful writer. 
2. Providing choices
   When a student is allowed to choose his or her own assignment, he is more likely to enjoy the process and be motivated to complete the task. It is hoped that in giving students a choice, they will feel a sense of ownership and take pride in their work. 

Now after we have done all of this... How do we assess the writing climate?

Teachers can use a checklist  to identify the strengths and weaknesses. In assessing the writing climate, teachers will be able to make the necessary improvements or adjustments in order to inspire and encourage students to write. 

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I really hope that you enjoyed the past few months of blogging. I had so much fun sharing what I learned with you all. Who knows... Maybe this assignment has inspired me to start a blog of my own 👀

I'll be on the lookout for all the exciting stories you would have to share because of what you learned from my blog post. 

I feel like we have all grown as writers and as teachers. 

Thanks for coming along on this journey with me as I sought to take a deeper look at the writing experience of students. 

- Onida Tyrell