Guiding Emergent and Early Struggling Writers to Success
(Grades K-2) / Flex Course
PDI Course Number: 31T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC41578
Course Description
Are you interested in learning how to help your struggling writers become more successful with their writing? Children often begin school excited to learn how to write, but for those who struggle, the spark is quickly diminished. This online course for teachers is designed for educators in grades K-2 who want to help their struggling students with key writing skills. The course begins with a brief discussion of why students may struggle with writing as well as an exploration of writing standards. Then, teachers will learn the difference between, and characteristics of, the emergent writer and the early writer. Teachers will also learn how to differentiate between struggling writers and those who are learning disabled so appropriate remediations can be selected. Information on the writing process is shared together with suggestions for incorporating specific writing strategies such as the six traits and writing across the curriculum. Teachers will also learn how to motivate their struggling writers so they become more interested and focused on the process. The strong connection between reading and writing will be explored. Additional strategies such as writer’s workshop, technology that promotes writing, and using quality literature as an inspiration for writing are shared. Finally, writing assessment is fully explored. By the end of this continuing education course, teachers will more fully understand how to best help their struggling writers. This online professional development course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from University of California San Diego (UCSD) Division of Extended Studies. For detailed information on receiving university credit for your PDI professional development course, visit our credit page.
Need help? Allison Wynne, PDI Program Coordinator, is ready to assist.
"I learned so much from reading the online course documents as well as reading the textbook. The writing process was discussed in a thorough manner and provided much insight on how teachers can successfully help their students learn the various writing genres." - Kelly Nichol
This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units or 5 quarter units of graduate-level credit from UCSD.
You have up to one year from the date you are enrolled to complete a flex course.
View the online course syllabus.
Print our customized course approval form to share with your school district.
TOPICAL OUTLINE
UCSD Course Number: EDUC41578
Unit One
- Why Johnny Can't Write: A Brief History of Writing
- Writing Standards-What? There were writing standards?
- Introduction to the Common Core Standards for Writing
- Assignment #1: Write an autobiography
- Test #1
Unit Two
- The Emergent Writer
- The Early Writer
- Developing Fluency
- Assignment #2: Article reflection
- Test #2
Unit Three
- Building a Community of Learners
- Differentiation is Key
- Struggling or learning disabled?
- Assignment #3: Share your expertise
- Test #3
Unit Four
- Understanding the Writing Process
- Writer's Workshop
- The Six (plus one) Traits of Writing
- Test #4
Unit Five
- The Reading-Writing Connection
- Using Literature to Teach Writing
- Introducing Nonfiction Text
- Test #5
Unit Six
- Writing Across the Curriculum
- The Gradual Release of Responsibility
- Assessing Student Writing
- Assignment #4: Create writing activities based on literature books
- Assignment #5: Course Reflection
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