Reading and Writing in Content Areas

3-2-1

Writing isn't a subject of its own. I wish this was taught to me when I was a student. When I used to write my history papers and the content was fine, but I got points taken off for my writing errors, I'd get so upset. I thought that only the English teacher should mark my writing. If I was told that subjects can be interdisciplinary, I would have been a happier student. Teaching students in a way that everything involves all subjects, helps students understand more clearly why they are learning. 

Teaching students the writing process can greatly enhance their writing ability. Even when students don't have an innate ability to write, if they follow the process, they will succeed. 

In order to get students interested in their writing, teachers can bring in published writing for students to read. When they understand that the struggles of the authors are the same as themselves, they will have more desire to write.

In my own classroom I would try to incorporate writing in as many subjects, lessons and as often as possible. When students are writing all the time, it will come naturally to them. It won't be a class on its own.

I would try to give the students a head start so that they don't become overwhelmed with the assignment. Giving the students the first sentence for their assignment is not letting them get away easy, it promotes further thinking and gives encouragement. The students feel that the teacher is there to help and wants them to put in effort and do well. 

My question is that if students get graded on their writing performance in every class and they find writing difficult, why should it show up on their grades in every class. What should these students do about it?