Free+Writing

**Rationale:** I chose this strategy because I want my students to have a journal about what is on their mind at that time and to feel like they have control over their writing.
 * Free Writing **

**Courses Implemented:** This strategy is used with all of my special education students throughout the school year. The number of students has changed throughout the year but currently this is used with 5 students (4 second graders and 2 first graders).

**Diverse Learners:** This strategy connects to all learners because it allows them to work at their own pace and to be creative or just write for the sake of writing. They are allowed to move away from their desk to write and to go to a place that will help them write. At times the students get to use the computer to write so that it is not always a pencil and paper activity. Students enjoy the freedom of writing and often do better during actually writing when they get to free write first.  **Procedure:** **Potential Issues:** Students may not be able to think of anything to write for the day or may choose not to write because they just do not want to. Students may be more focused on the spelling than just the content of the writing. **References:** Harvey, S, & Goudvis, A (2007). //Strategies that work: Teaching comprehension for understanding and engagement//. Portland, ME: Stenhouse Publishers.
 * At the beginning of the year the students are given a writing journal and I explain to them that this is their writing journal for the whole year.
 * I told them that this journal is for when I tell you to go free write meaning to go write about whatever is on your mind at that point in time.
 * I explain to them that they will free write for at least 5 minutes everyday and that they must write something.
 * At the end of the 5 minutes, the students are then asked if they would like to share what they wrote and if they do they come up and read out loud.

Graves, DH (1994). //A fresh look at writing//. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.