Providing the right envrionment and assistance helps a child write a book chapter.
Part of a child's school assignment may be to write a chapter in a book. This might be based on a book that is already written, or may be a completely original work by the student. Creating a productive writing environment and providing proper tools to the child allows him to write the chapter to the best of his ability.
The Writing Environment
Creating a productive writing environment is the first step to helping a child write a chapter for a story. Developing a strong classroom community helps the student feel more comfortable when writing at school. The child is more likely to ask peers for assistance, and write more creatively because he feels secure in his surroundings. A quiet location to think and write also helps a child be more productive and efficient.
Pre-Writing
A pre-writing activity is any exercise that helps a student plan out her writing. One exercise may include discussion with a peer about the chapter topic. Another option is to ask the child to create a concept map of the chapter she plans to write. A concept map helps a child plan out the story as well as relate various concepts to one another. Planning out the chapter makes it easier for the child once she is at the chapter-writing stage of the process because the initial framework is completed.
Mini-Lessons
Mini-lessons allow you to quickly teach or review a writing concept with the child. These lessons should be very quick in nature and can focus on any specific skill you wish to teach the child. Anticipating specific concepts the child may struggle with helps the student write the chapter the best he can. You can develop mini-lessons to review grammar, vocabulary or strategies for writing more effectively.
Writing Conferences
Writing conferences provide a student with the ability to use both the teacher and peers to help with the chapter-writing process. The child progresses through the process of writing while having set conferences with peers or the teacher. During these, the student discusses thoughts and plans, and asks questions about his writing. You can also use writing conferences to help a child edit his chapter or further develop the story. Encourage the child to use the time to not only share the work in progress, but also develop ways to improve the writing. Set a goal for progress before the next writing conference. This way, the student feels accountable for the progress knowing that the next writing conference is ahead.
