Let's Warm Up to Writing

Let’s Warm Up to Writing
“Ok boys and girls, it’s time for writing!” the teacher exclaims.  Suddenly, many sighs are heard across the room.   Have you ever had this experience before?  I know I have.  However, I have found a very simple solution that may help you too.  They’re called writing warm-ups!
“Fluency is the ability to generate text —a lot of it— in a short period of time.” --Aimee Buckner Do you want to help build writing fluency for your students?
	As with any other skill, writing takes practice.  Students need to write EVERYDAY to build their writing fluency.  Although it may be frustrating as a teacher to see your students struggle in writing, it’s okay!  Just remember, the more opportunities you provide for students to write, the better writers they will become!
“Write, write, and write some more.  Think of writing as a muscle that needs a lot of exercise.” Jane Yolen Watch the video below to see a 2nd grade student in action during writing warm up time.  The topic is, “How do friends help one another?”  Writing in Action!
Benefits of Writing Warm-Ups
	Unlike a formal piece of writing that you may be teaching, whether it be a personal narrative, opinion, or expository writing piece, a writing warm-up is a way for students to get their “brain juices” flowing BEFORE they continue on their formal writing assignment. It is also a great way for your students to get excited about writing, especially if you pick a warm-up topic that is of interest to them.  Think of a writing warm-up as a time for your students to build their writing fluency.  At the same time, you can glance at student’s writing and quickly address a wide variety of skills without students feeling that you are judging and/or grading what they wrote.  For example, did students begin their warm-up with a capital letter?  Are they using correct punctuation?  Are students on topic? Etc. How can you prepare yourself and your students for writing warm-ups? Have a journal for them!  This is a huge motivator for my students.   Be prepared and have a topic of interest ready to go.  Once you have stated the topic, TALK!  Talking is crucial even for a writing warm-up.  Assuming the topic is, “Write about a time you helped a friend…” discuss ways in which students have helped a friend.  Make a bubble map so that students see you writing down their ideas.  They love to see their ideas up on the board!  Once you feel you have talked enough and they are ready, have them draw a QUICK picture.  This one-minute quick draw is a favorite for students.  It works as a great visual for them too!  Allow about 2-3 minutes for students to write.  A great way to time students (and get them excited) during this warm-up time is by playing some relaxing music while they write. Once time is up, have students count the number of words they wrote.  They should note that number next to their writing.  Teach students to set goals for themselves.  For example, if today they wrote 25 words, then tell them that tomorrow you want to see them write 25 or more.  Reward students who pass their goal.  Stickers work wonders!  This daily, quick routine will help students to build their writing fluency. I look forward to hearing how this strategy worked for you in your class!   Inspiring Minds, Melissa Hernandez