Independent Writing
In independent Writing, children write their own pieces. These pieces could include stories and informational narratives, as well as retellings, labeling, speech balloons, lists, etc. Independent writing provides a change for children to use writing across the curriculum. It builds children's ability to write words and use punctuation. Little teacher support is needed because children write using known words and construct the spelling of unknown words. It is important that children know how to use the resources in the room to get the words they do not know.
Teaching Methods
Ideas for independent writing come out of group sessions. through interactive writing and writer's workshop. The teacher helps students learn the strategies and skills for independent writing. Observations help teacher plan for minilessons and teaching points to raise in interactive writing.
Resources
Write On Reader. This site was created by a fifth grade classroom. It includes surveys of favorite authors and books as well as instructions for making and publishing your own book.
ePoem. From this site, click on the ePoem link. Students can read brief descriptions of how to create poems as well as read examples of Ballads, Cinquains, Couplets, Haikus.