What is Interactive Writing?

Interactive writing involves a sharing of the pen between teacher and children. The focus of Interactive Writing is on concepts and conventions of print, the sounds in words and how the sounds connect with letters. For the most part, children also control the writing of the text as well as the ideas that are written down.The teacher guides this process and provides appropriate pacing, assistance and instruction when needed.

Interactive Writing demonstrates early reading strategies and how words work. Children are given the opportunity to plan and construct text. Because students generally control the writing of the text, spelling knowledge increases, as well as the ability to construct words through connecting letters, clusters of letters, and sounds. Text created in an Interactive Writing experience can be used for independent reading in the classroom and thus provides a connection between reading and writing.

Teaching Methods

Interactive Writing can be effective in both small groups or whole class. The basic structure of Interactive Writing is as follows:

• Establishing the topic. This topic should be one that is meaningful to children. It can include thank you notes, invitations, responses to literature, etc.
• Establishing the text. Lists are established one word or phrase at a time. This wording can be a joint effort between teacher and children. Activities such as counting words and put the words on their fingers become important for allowing children to see the separation of words and spacing. The text should be brief (a few words or a single sentence) at early levels.
• Writing the text. The children write as much as they possibly can, with the teacher modeling, questioning, and focusing attention on concepts of prints and sounds in words. Alphabet charts and classroom name charts can be used to support letter recognition and formation of letters. This time can also be used to help strengthen students' Phonemic Awareness. Children involvement is vital to Interactive Writing. Group responses are encouraged, where students form letters in the air, whisper letters, use silent nonverbal signals, etc.
• Maintaining a correct model. There is an expectation of correctness in Interactive Writing. The final text should look like text from a published book.
• Reading the text. After each word is written, it is read. Repetition helps reinforce many skills.

6 STEPS TO INTERACTIVE WRITING

1. Providing active learning experiences.
2. Talking to establish a purpose.
3. Composing and constructing the text.
4. Rereading, revising, and proofreading.
6. Revisiting text to support word solving.
7. Summarizing and extending the learning.