Using a writing fluency activity

Fluency in writing, as in reading, should be one of the aims even of beginning lessons.

This writing fluency activity helps learners learn to

• transfer a flow of speech to written words on paper
• visualize spoken words, phrases, and sentences as they hear them
• write entire chunks of speech rather than syllable by syllable
• write fluidly rather than haltingly

Here are some guidelines to follow when you use this writing fluency activity:

• Begin working word by word. Progress as soon as possible to phrases and then to entire sentences, according to the learners' ability.
• Encourage the learners to write the entire chunk (word, phrase, or sentence) without stopping to correct mistakes.
• Encourage them to write quickly but legibly.
• Work on problem words only after a sentence has been written. Do not stop during writing to sound out letters or make corrections.

1. Say an entire sentence while the learners listen.
2. After all the learners know the sentence, have them write it without stopping.

Here are some variations of this writing fluency activity:

• Demonstrate writing the sentence on the chalkboard while the learners watch. Do this as Step 2 of the activity, before they write.

  Reason:
  • Seeing a flow of speech being written helps them transfer that visual image to written words on paper.
  • Watching you write gives them a model of fluent writing to imitate.
• Say an entire sentence in Step 1, then break it into smaller chunks such as words or phrases, according to the learners' ability.

• Gudschinsky 1973:67

• Task module: Using a writing fluency activity
• In task module: Developing writing skills
• In task module: Developing literacy skills, by Martha A. Lane (contributor), Delle P. Matthews (contributor), Leah B. Walter (contributor), Glenys Waters (contributor), Anne Klaassens (editor), and Trudy K. Stewart (editor, contributor)
• In task module: Teaching people to read and write, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler)
• In task module: Implementing a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler)
• In modular book: Implement a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler) and Leah B. Walter (compiler)
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 16 March 1999

© 1999 SIL International