Differentiating+Writing

Use this page to share your experiences with the differentiated writing strategies (Cartoon/Comic Strips, Newspaper Article, Brochure, Rubric, Wiki) that were presented on February 25, 2009. Rodney's Poem ** Writing/Application Task Differentiation Ideas **
 * __ Content __** (what we teach & want students to learn)
 * Match writing theme to interest of student and readiness of student (i.e. 8th grader reading on 12th grade level who loves medieval history reads high school level text in this genre)
 * Pre assess to determine where students are to determine how to mix content levels
 * __ Process __** (activity to make sense of material)
 * Have students use interactive notebooks/journals to reflect on information provided
 * Have students use graphic organizers to document learning
 * Adjust question for written response based on readiness…low level to high level
 * Have students peer review/edit others writing
 * __ Product __** (helps students rethink, use and extend what they learn)
 * Use unique writing formats (advertisement, autobiography, cartoon…)
 * Have students maintain a portfolio of written application tasks for reference
 * Provide choices for application task that are different and address the interest of the students (i.e. extension menus, see fcpsteach.org under Gifted and Talented)

** Ideas for Differentiating Writing Styles and Genres  ** Theme Song Magazine Article     Lists     BCR/ECR Commercial Jingle  Photo Essay (story in picture form)   Contract Autobiography  Predictions   Logos  Sport Commentating Biography  Profiles (like on internet social networking sites) Wikis Book Review   Use sitcom story lines to spark writing ideas Blog Calendars/Planners Newspaper Article Poem    Directions/Map Cartoon   Journal/Diary  Debates    Summary Comic Strip Epitaphs     Book jackets  Brochures Bumper stickers Editorial Speech    Song Lyrics  ||
 * Allow students to work independently, with partners, or a group when writing product based on readiness, interest, or learning profile
 * Advertisement  Dialogue/Script    E-mail     Announcement/Flyer

Adapted from __Differentiated Instructional Strategies for Writing in the Content Areas__, Chapman & King 2003.