It is quite amazing how one can use play dough to
teach student’s the writing process. In our Literacy class on Friday 23rd
September, 2016, we looked at the steps to the writing process in relation to
an activity using play dough, directly after setting up our blog.
First, each student was given a few pieces of play
dough. Then, we were told to think of somebody we would love to give a present.
The person to be handed the present is similar to a topic of an essay or text
and the present, itself is the essay. Immediately, each student began to
brainstorm ideas for their beautiful creation before getting to work. This is
compatible to the initial phase of the writing process, prewriting. Prewriting
is when students brainstorm ideas and think about what they are going to write.
After brainstorming our ideas, we
took the play dough and formed a copy of the ideas we settled on. This is the
second step of the writing process, drafting. In this step, students write down
their thoughts on paper but it is not the final product, rather a rough sketch.
Next, we were told to look closely at our creation and asked ourselves whether
we were satisfied with what is in front of us. If not, make the necessary
changes. Then we were told to exchange our creation with the person next to us.
That person is to improve the creation a step further. This is the revising and
editing stage of the writing process. The student rereads his/ her work and
makes changes to the piece. This is done by adding or removing ideas, rearranging sentences, changing the sequence of the piece and, or substituting synonyms for a less preferable vocabulary. In the editing stage, the student checks for
conventions. He/ she must ensure that everything is in the appropriate place
and is good enough to be published.
Finally, the publishing stage. The student writes
the final copy and shares it with others. When our finished product was to our
satisfaction, we walked around the class to view each other’s masterpiece. This
was indeed a wonderful activity and a memorable way to teach the writing
process.
Below are pictures of
the Pixies’ finished products.
Pixie Thel
A very fascinating idea indeed, using play dough to teach the writing process? Wow! I am definitely going to use that idea to teach my students the steps to the writing process.
ReplyDeletePixie Thel
A very fascinating idea indeed, using play dough to teach the writing process? Wow! I am definitely going to use that idea to teach my students the steps to the writing process.
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ReplyDeleteThis was a great class, I found this reflection very thought provoking.
ReplyDeleteJanelle
A very innovative way to introduce the process of writing, I will definitely use the idea with my students.
ReplyDeleteA very innovative way to introduce the process of writing, I will definitely use the idea with my students.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with you Bertha. This is a very engaging and relevant activity that students would enjoy.
DeleteVery good I always welcome new ideas and this one is very intriguing. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteVery good I always welcome new ideas and this one is very intriguing. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteThat class was indeed interesting. I learned and had lots of fun.
ReplyDeleteThat class was indeed interesting. I learned and had lots of fun.
ReplyDeleteThis is an innovative and meaningful way of teaching the writing process to students. This will help students understand the steps in the writing process better in addition to contributing to students retention of the steps as this is very interactive and fun.
ReplyDeleteGizelle Edward
This is an innovative and meaningful way of teaching the writing process to students. This will help students understand the steps in the writing process better in addition to contributing to students retention of the steps as this is very interactive and fun.
ReplyDeleteGizelle Edward
this was a fabulous idea to teach the writing process to the students..it would definitely capture the interest of the younger ones since they get to manipulate the play dough.
ReplyDeleteThank for posting chrishminthel. I missed that session. however, i am now able to get a better understand of what took place and how the play dough was used to teach the writing process.
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ReplyDeleteThank for posting chrishminthel. I missed that session. however, i am now able to get a better understand of what took place and how the play dough was used to teach the writing process. Lisa Francis
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ReplyDeleteyes indeed this class was memorable. I had never done this activity before and now I can not wait to engage others in this activity. Marla Theodore
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this lesson this was indeed a very good way to teach the writing process creative and unique. I must say I am looking forward to use such an activity to teach the writing process in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteThis lesson was amazing!!!!! I never did an activity like this before and i really enjoyed doing it. This is a great way to teach and have the students engaged in what they are doing
ReplyDeleteThis lesson was absolutely amazing. I especially loved the way in which Miss Polius used our creations with play dough to explain the writing process..... Shameika Paul
ReplyDeleteMs Polius is very good at what she does. It was not a surprise to me when she asked us to use play dough to teach or reinforce a main point she wanted us to learn. Keep up the great work Ms. Polius.
ReplyDeleteIndeed the play dough is a great item to use, in order to engage students in the writing process. This image is quite nice and thoughtful. Miss Polius sure knows how to add creativity to her teaching. I would love to do the same with the tips I have learnt so far from everyone. Gisele Antoine
ReplyDeleteThis was an awesome activity!! i had never done one like this before. this is a great way to encourage writing.
ReplyDeleteYes really enjoyed this activity. it taught ways that we can actually use manipulatives to teach writing
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ReplyDeletethis was a nice activity I will try to add this to my collection.
ReplyDeleteKevin Mathurin
ReplyDeleteThis was a very innovative activity which shows that manipulative can also be used in Language Arts to teach a particular topic or skill. We frequently associate such manipulative with Mathematics but this shows that we need to be more innovative to get our students to become better writers. I look forward to using this strategy when I do return to the classroom.
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