What is writing?
Writing is a method of
representing language in visual or tactile form. Writing systems use sets of
symbols to represent the sounds of speech, and may also have symbols for such
things as punctuation and numerals.
Definitions of writing systems
Here are a number of
ways to define writing systems:
a system of more or less permanent marks used to
represent an utterance in such a way that it can be recovered more or less
exactly without the intervention of the utterer.
From The World's Writing Systems
a set of visible or
tactile signs used to represent units of language in a systematic way, with the
purpose of recording messages which can be retrieved by everyone who knows the
language in question and the rules by virtue of which its units are encoded in
the writing system.
From the The Blackwell
Encyclopedia of Writings Systems
All writing systems use
visible signs with the exception of the raised notation systems used by blind
and visually impaired people, such as Braille and Moon. Hence the need to
include tactile signs in the above definition.
In A History of
Writing, Steven Roger Fischer argues that no one definition of writing can
cover all the writing systems that exist and have ever existed. Instead he
states that a 'complete writing' system should fullfill all the following
criteria:
it must have as its
purpose communication;
it must consist of
artificial graphic marks on a durable or electronic surface;
it must use marks that
relate conventionally to articulate speech (the systematic arrangement of
significant vocal sounds) or electronic programing in such a way that
communication is achieved.
Writing systems are
both functional, providing a visual way to represent language, and also
symbolic, in that they represent cultures and peoples. In The writing systems
of the world, Florian Coulmas describes them as follows:
As the most visible
items of a language, scripts and orthographies are 'emotionally loaded',
indicating as they do group loyalties and identities. Rather than being mere
instruments of a practical nature, they are symbolic systems of great social
significance which may, moreover, have profound effect on the social structure
of a speech community.
Tips For Teaching Writing Skills
- Learning how to write
can be difficult, especially if you are trying to learn both the rules of writing,
writing styles, vocabulary, and grammar all at the same time. These tips can help you to both teach writing
skills and help your students to learn.
- Have students write
about familiar subjects. Things like
what they did over their Christmas vacation, about the pets they own, and what
kind of food they like are great ways to start.
Over time, start making it more specific. Things like what Native Americans lived in
Montana or what did you do for Christmas last year will start to help them
develop analytical thinking skills while still developing their writing skills.
- Teach them
brainstorming techniques early. This
will help them to develop clear thoughts and stay organized in their writing.
- Have students write
letters and stories to each other. Note
passing may become a problem, but if you build it into your lesson plan,
where's the issue. This will show
students how others are writing and bring give them new ideas on how to develop
their writing.
- Revision is the best
way to learn spelling and grammar. Those
who can edit writing can write, and the other way around.
- Start to introduce
different styles of writing and tones, giving young writers a more dynamic
range they can build on later.
- Encourage
Reading. This is very important. Students will gain a more diverse pool of
examples they can draw from in their own writing. Students who read will become students who
write well.
- Be patient with
students. If you become frustrated with
them, they will become discouraged. Some
people learn faster than others, but all students will learn more from a calm
teacher than and angry one.
- Writing does not just
include one medium. Make sure your
students are familiar with both electronic writing and handwriting. Even with the advances in computer
technology, handwriting is still a key skill to have.
Writing Lesson Plan PPT;
http://file2.uploadfile.biz/i/EMEMMEIMEMEEDD
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