Chapter 11

When I think of writing in the classroom, my mind is automatically taken to a language arts class. I guess because this seemed to be the only class that called for me to do any type of composing in my past school days experiences, other than the occasionally history paper. For the most part, the writing that my other classes were to answer question. Nothing that really required me to create or compose any type of writing. I feel as though others have had the same experience, which often result in the attitude of writing should only exist in Language Arts. Obviously that statement should not hold true, and writing that requires think and composing on the students' part should exist in all subject areas.

The points that chapter eleven point out are great for preparing students to write in the classroom. Not only can these topics help a student prepare to write, they can help the students prepare their writing in ways necessary for the subject they are writing about. For example, the portion on teaching students how to plan their writing discusses how students should develop a plan and set goals to fulfill the plan when writing. When writing a paper in science class, then plan should obviously be geared toward what the student is trying to achieve scientifically through their writing. The writing in no longer about proper grammar (although students should still be held accountable for this), the paper holds a scientific purpose. A teacher can use the ideas that chapter eleven give (like the writing check list) and gear it toward the purpose of the writing assignment.

Many times, students do not know how to write. They can write words, but do not really know how to compose a written work. This holds more true for writing on a subject. Students are all to familiar with journal writing or book reports, but a clueless when it comes to writing about science or math. Many time students feel as if there is nothing to write about pertaining to these subject. It is important that teachers teach students how to write on these topics. When teaching writing skills in language Art, a teacher can easily implement writing that pertains to other subjects. This is a great opportunity to integrate subjects areas. by doing this, students will be better prepared for a higher education. We all know writing is required in everything we do in college. This will also help the students when entering into the real world. Jobs in the work force require people to write as soon as the application process begins. Many applications asks what one thinks the job being applied for would be good for the job seeker. Writing geared to all subjects can be very beneficial in the situation.