Deck 10: Teaching the Mechanical Skills of Writing

Question 1

It is important to encourage students to write the desired word, even though they might not know the word's correct spelling. Circle the response that best describes how a teacher might encourage students to do this.

A) Encourage students to leave a space for the word they do not know how to spell so the teacher can fill it in later.
B) Provide a dictionary for the students to look up words they cannot spell.
C) Encourage invented spelling.
D) Provide the correct spelling and encourage the student to write the word three times to remember the correct spelling in the future.

Answer 1

Encourage invented spelling.

Question 2

During the early phonemic stage children are __________.

A) recognizing chunks and word families
B) usually representing initial and final sounds in a word
C) matching phonemes with letter names and representing them in their spelling
D) showing early experiences with writing, usually referred to as scribbling or doodling

Answer 2

matching phonemes with letter names and representing them in their spelling

Question 3

Spelling should be taught by __________.

A) displaying the number of words each child spells correctly on spelling tests to promote healthy competition in the classroom
B) studying and testing on the words selected by textbook writers
C) breaking words down or phonemically segmenting words
D) drilling on spelling lists through direct instruction

Answer 3

breaking words down or phonemically segmenting words

Question 4

In the best spelling program, instruction includes __________.

A) direct teacher instruction of words from the textbook
B) randomly selected words taken from the children's readings
C) worksheets that give ample opportunity to practice the "word of the day"
D) personalized word lists of frequently used words and selected spelling patterns

Question 5

Grammar instruction should include __________.

A) guiding children in their memorization of a list of do's and don'ts
B) helping children learn how to manipulate the language
C) providing children with drill exercises to help them learn this convention
D) asking children to explicitly state the rules of grammar to be used in school

Question 6

Researchers have concluded that teachers should teach children the vertical manuscript writing form. Explain why.

Question 7

Explain the method currently recommended for the teaching of spelling and why it is believed to be more effective than the "drill and practice" approach.

Question 8

Research concludes that the mechanics of writing should be taught within the context of children's writing. Illustrate how a specific skill might be taught in context.

Question 9

In an interview, you are asked the question: How applicable is the writing workshop approach to nonnative speakers of English? Provide a written answer to this question. Persuade the readers that it is or is not appropriate with evidence from Chapter 11.