You Should Write About That!
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It is important that students have time to engage in writing about self-selected topics in self-selected formats. Being able to choose what to write about is freeing and motivating for many students. Occasionally, students struggle with finding a topic. One way we combat this struggle is through modeled writing and teaching students to look for writing topics everywhere.
We think aloud as we determine what to write about, and then continue being transparent with our thought process as we model writing in front of students. Then, we carry the think-aloud into other parts of our day as we respond to student stories and daily happenings by saying, “You should write about that!”
Mrs. Behne, I lost my tooth last night! You should write about that!
At recess our team won the game of kickball. You should write about that!
My grandparents are visiting this weekend. You should write about that!
I lost my glasses, and my mom found them under the couch. You should write about that!
We post the statement You should write about that! in the room as a visual reminder. This, along with hearing us say it frequently, helps train student muscle memory to automatically think of it on their own. Soon, they are using it in conversation with each other and have a plethora of ideas to write about.
