Conventions
The conventions are the spelling errors, grammar and usage problems, capitalization mistakes, and missing punctuation. While conventions
are important, they’re not the most important part of writing. Students might compare the other five traits of writing to the building of a house – laying the foundation, putting up the walls, installing plumbing and electricity, and putting up drywall. The conventions are the finishing touch – the paint that makes the final product look good. As a result, students should focus on conventions at the end of the writing process. Editing for conventions is a final but important step in preparing a text for the reader. The best way to teach conventions is by example, using text that students create. As a constructivist writer, I think that writing errors are good. They provide the opportunity for students to learn how to use the right tools to become confident and capable editors. I don’t agree with the traditional view that says, “Writing errors are bad; they are indicators of failure.” In this process, students are the ones that hold the pen when they work with writing conventions. Students should be actively engaged with polishing surface feature errors, instead of the teacher telling them what mistakes need to be fixed.
The conventions are the spelling errors, grammar and usage problems, capitalization mistakes, and missing punctuation. While conventions
are important, they’re not the most important part of writing. Students might compare the other five traits of writing to the building of a house – laying the foundation, putting up the walls, installing plumbing and electricity, and putting up drywall. The conventions are the finishing touch – the paint that makes the final product look good. As a result, students should focus on conventions at the end of the writing process. Editing for conventions is a final but important step in preparing a text for the reader. The best way to teach conventions is by example, using text that students create. As a constructivist writer, I think that writing errors are good. They provide the opportunity for students to learn how to use the right tools to become confident and capable editors. I don’t agree with the traditional view that says, “Writing errors are bad; they are indicators of failure.” In this process, students are the ones that hold the pen when they work with writing conventions. Students should be actively engaged with polishing surface feature errors, instead of the teacher telling them what mistakes need to be fixed.
Steps to help students with this trait:
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Tools to help students with this trait:
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