Developing a Planning Process with ELLs in Writing

 Developing a Planning Process with ELLs in Writing

Credit: 5537864_orig.jpeg (764×381) (weebly.com)

Everyone creates goals. Whether those are skill-based goals, personal goals, etc. we all want to better ourselves. In the classroom, we should all develop goals to track our progress throughout the schoolyear. More specifically, we as writer's should develop goals and map out what our writing journey looks like. Brainstorming is the initial step when beginning our writing process. ELL students might have a hard time creating a planning process of what their writing should look like. This blog post is to give some recommendations as to how to develop a planning process for writing with your ELL students. 

1. Individual writing conferences

Students are sometimes afraid to ask for help when they are struggling. Furthermore, they are afraid to ask "dumb" questions or frustrate the teacher. The first step to this approach is to make sure students know that no question is a dumb question and students are highly encouraged to ask questions for clarification. Next, schedule class time during writing time or a convenient time in the class with each student. The first meeting should talk about goals from both the student and teacher and what we expect of them, things to work on, strengths, etc. Conferences should be conducted with each student and follow up meetings should be conducted throughout the course of the schoolyear to see how much students have grown as a writer. 

Credit: Apple Images, Stock Photos & Vectors | Shutterstock

2. Creating SMART goals

As many of us have heard by now, goals we create should be SMART. SMART is an acronym that stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time. (O'Neill, 2006) When creating goals with our students in writing, it is important they are SMART goals and serve a purpose. goals that are not completely thought through are less likely to reach success. Take the extra time with your students to develop SMART goals to see higher results!

In conclusion, having a planning process is important to the writing process, and will lead to more successful writers! Results will vary from student to student, however having these goals and a planning process will help ELL students and teachers feel less stress and give some guidance for further steps.

Sources: Conzemius, A., & O'Neill, J. (2011). The power of smart goals : Using goals to improve student learning. Solution Tree.

Blog: Writing instruction for ells. Colorín Colorado. (2021.)