Using Quick Writes to Integrate Writing in Content Areas

Are you looking for a way to integrate writing? Look no further than quick writes! They are the best way to include writing in any content area when you are limited on time.

What Are Quick Writes?

A quick write is a writing piece that is completed in a short period of time with little to no prep on the teacher’s part. They require minimal resources and allow students to write in a stream-of-consciousness fashion.

Why Use Quick Writes?

Because quick writes are so easy to implement they are the ideal way to fit a bit of writing into content areas when you have a few spare minutes. They are also great for including the use of content vocabulary.

It is been proven that when you write something down you are better able to remember it. By having students participate in writing in content areas using vocabulary they are able to cement their knowledge. This knowledge is then shared with one another when they share their writing making it even more permanent.

How?

Quick writes really couldn’t be easier!

1. Students need paper and a writing utensil.
2. A topic is given.
3. Think time is given when no one is writing yet.
4. Students write for an uninterrupted, predetermined amount of time.
   1. Start with one minute and work up from there.
5. Students share their writing with one another.

How Can I Differentiate Quick Writes?

Writing isn’t easy for all students, or adults. We can work to scaffold their writing and make it something all students can enjoy. By giving students tools to support their writing you encourage them as writers and within the content area.

Photographs-

Use a photograph as a prompt. For example, show a photograph of the Grand Canyon and ask students to write about weathering, erosion, and deposition and how they lead to landforms. The photograph will jump-start students’ memories and allow them to connect to the topic they are writing about.

Vocabulary-

Use vocabulary to scaffold by either providing a word bank or brainstorming a word bank together before students begin writing. This all but guarantees students will include content vocabulary in their writing.

This resource includes photographs and vocabulary for encouraging student writing. 

How Do I Keep My Students Writing?

Check out this post with more ideas for how to integrate writing into content areas!