For Schools
Whole-school approaches to writing instruction — from constructing units of work to navigating the future of writing.
Part Two of Practical Writing Strategies moves beyond individual activities to address the bigger picture. These six chapters provide guidance for teachers and schools looking to build a sustained, whole-school approach to writing instruction.
From constructing units of work and giving effective feedback to fostering a culture of writing and navigating the future of AI in education, these chapters offer practical, evidence-based strategies that support teachers across all disciplines.
Constructing a Unit of Work
How to build units of work using the writing cycle as a framework. This chapter explores how to sequence activities across a term, integrate the six strategies into existing curricula, and adapt the cycle to different year levels and text types.
Key Topics
- Sequencing activities across a unit
- Integrating the writing cycle into existing curricula
- Adapting activities for different year levels
- Planning for different text types and modes
- Sample unit outlines
Giving Feedback
Effective strategies for providing meaningful feedback on student writing. This chapter examines how teachers can give feedback that motivates improvement, balances positive and constructive comments, and empowers students to take ownership of their revision process.
Key Topics
- Principles of effective writing feedback
- Balancing positive and constructive comments
- Written vs verbal feedback
- Teaching students to use feedback
- Peer feedback frameworks
Writing Across the Curriculum
Writing is not just for English class. This chapter explores how the writing strategies and activities can be adapted for use across different subject areas, building literacy skills in every discipline.
Key Topics
- Writing in Science, Maths, and Humanities
- Adapting activities for other disciplines
- Cross-curricular writing projects
- Building a shared language for writing
- Supporting non-English teachers with writing instruction
Being a Writer
The importance of teachers as writers. This chapter argues that teachers who write alongside their students develop deeper empathy for the writing process and can model authentic writing practices in the classroom.
Key Topics
- Why teachers should write
- Modelling writing for students
- Writing communities for teachers
- Developing your own writing practice
- Sharing your writing with students
Creating a Culture of Writing
How to build a school-wide culture that values and celebrates writing. From writing events and competitions to displays and publishing opportunities, this chapter provides practical strategies for making writing visible and valued.
Key Topics
- Whole-school writing events
- Celebrating student writing
- Writing displays and publications
- Writing clubs and extracurriculars
- Engaging parents and the community
The Future of Writing
Navigating the impact of AI and digital tools on writing education. This chapter explores how to use AI ethically in the classroom, maintain the value of human writing, and prepare students for a future where writing and technology are deeply intertwined.
Key Topics
- AI writing tools in the classroom
- Ethical considerations for AI use
- Maintaining the value of human writing
- Digital literacy and critical evaluation
- Preparing students for the future
Explore the Full Book
Part Two is available in Practical Writing Strategies, published by Amba Press. Get the complete guide to writing instruction for your school.
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