A student’s sense of belonging and identity as a writer profoundly influences their motivation. Previous writing experiences, school culture, and classroom practices shape their writerly habits and self-image.
When students believe and behave as writers, they begin to identify as writers. It’s crucial for students to feel they belong in the writing community of the classroom for equity and motivation reasons.
- Learn more – [The Writing Realities Framework]
How can we ensure students feel like they belong in the writing classroom?
1. Signal status
Whole-class writing projects unite students and writer-teachers around a common purpose, fostering a sense of teamwork and achievement. Every student’s contribution is valued and celebrated.
- Learn more – [The Components Of An Effective Writing Unit]
2. Group identity
Create a class publishing house with a shared mission statement, emphasising collaboration and collective success.
- Learn more – [Creating Our Own Publishing Houses]
3. Unifying purpose
Involve children in setting publishing and product goals for class writing projects collaboratively.
- Learn more – [Establishing Publishing Goals For Class Writing Projects]
- [How To Get Success Criteria Right]
4. Generate writing ideas
Let children bring their unique identities into the project by supporting them to generate their own writing ideas.