Writing Across the Curriculum With Writing Breaks

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One of the topics I get requested most often for professional development is writing across the curriculum. It seems we all know the importance of writing, but the ability to implement it effectively remains elusive. So, today I wanted to share a simple strategy that can be used in any class, writing breaks.

To begin, I explain to teachers that writing is simply thinking on paper. And, since we should be doing some thinking in every class, writing becomes a natural opportunity. A writing break gives students the opportunity to do just that, think on paper.

Here’s how it works:

• Choose a specific time during the lesson to stop and allow students time to process and reflect on their learning. The length of time is dependent on the age and stage, but for most, keep it to around 5 minutes max.

• Allow students to briefly share. This can come in the form of a partner share or sharing some aloud with the whole group. Writing always means more when we give it an audience.

I recommend having a question or two to guide students in their processing. It can be very open- ended like the examples below.

• How do you rate your understanding at this point? (1-5) Explain why you chose that rating.

• What have you learned?

• What stands out the most in your mind right now?

• What questions do you have?

Questions can also be more specific in nature like these examples.

• Explain the difference between mitosis and meiosis.

• Why do you believe the character responded In this way?

• What is most important about this battle?

• Explain subtraction to a friend.

These short writing breaks are big on benefits. They are excellent forms of formative assessment. They increase engagement by building in a break from direct instruction. And, they reinforce and build retention dramatically when used on a regular basis.

If you decide to give it a “go”, I encourage you to plan ahead. Have a slide with general questions ready to go. And, then, plan into your lessons additional questions to add. Think of it this way. Instead of asking the class a question for discussion purposes, ask the entire class to answer the question in writing. I think you will find the engagement and quality of responses will grow exponentially! And, all the while, students are practicing their writing skills- it’s a win-win!

:) Brandy