Writing is a cognitively complex task. To write well, young learners must know about parts of speech, grammatical rules of sentence construction and how to create complex sentences with various conjunctions.
To express ideas clearly, they must know about word or vocabulary choice. Spelling, punctuation and handwriting are important aspects as well.
In addition, students need to understand the expectations of a genre in order to organise and structure their writing well. Therefore, explicit instruction or direct, structured teaching is necessary to the development of effective writing skills.
It is well known that a head-start in reading and writing is important for the development of a child. It sets him or her up for success over the course of his or her life, yet why should one pursue English enrichment classes?
Class size is key when it comes to effective instruction and learning. Despite their best efforts, class sizes in Singapore schools remain large.
Typical local classes have about thirty students in each class. In this environment, a teacher is unable to offer individualised attention to each and every student.
Skill deficits for weaker writers are often distinct from stronger writers, and not everyone gets the most out of mainstream school writing lessons, despite their being well delivered.
In the best-case scenario, errors and misunderstandings are only corrected days or weeks later when marked worked is returned.
English writing enrichment classes are able to overcome this issue because class sizes are capped at a low number.
Closer, more specific attention and stronger support can be extended to each student within a small group.
For instance, specific errors are highlighted and corrected immediately. Strengths are praised and reinforced in-person. As such, a teacher is better able to shape and track a detailed learning path for individual students. Consequently, there is a better rate of progress.
In addition, struggling writers tend to use more help-seeking and affective strategies to manage their learning.
In a small group, each child is able to have more of a teacher’s attention, ask questions and clarify doubts.
He or she may also require specific tips and encouragement in order to stay on task and stay motivated. In a small-group enrichment setting, teachers can monitor these factors more effectively.
Research indicates that a clear methodological approach to writing instruction is crucial. Teachers must be able to model and guide students to use creative writing techniques, such as Show- Not- Tell and other exemplary literary devices.
The simple and consistent teaching approach used at Write Edge helps students learn how to tackle creative writing tasks confidently. This ideal writing programme lays out expectations and tailors the process for individual learners to pick up skills at a suitable and appropriate pace over time.
Intensity of exposure is a key element in language learning, particularly for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. Exposure to quality input with a clear focus as, adapted to a child’s level of linguistic competence, yields better learning outcomes.
The frequent use of language in an interactive manner quintessentially promotes retainment of learning and desirable reinforcement. The small group setting of an English enrichment class thus offers such intensity and high-quality interaction.
In traditional classrooms, there is a lack of attention given to the revision of a piece of writing. However, educational experts agree that revising strategies are an important aspect of learning how to write well. Students must look over their marked work and learn from their mistakes.
In Write Edge English writing classes, students are expected to complete second drafts regularly to correct errors and improve the quality of their compositions.
Marking as a student writes and detailed personalized feedback ensures that a student has the opportunity to check their work alongside the teacher. As such, they actively think about their spelling, grammar and vocabulary choices.
Discussion as a group also improves participation in the revision process. It provides an opportunity for all to share and analyze each other’s suggestions on plot ideas. Students, therefore, reap the benefits of peer learning.
As reading and writing are interconnected, it is important for children to have experiences with both reading and writing at an early age. A good quality English writing enrichment programme will ensure that your child is equipped to succeed!
References
Bai, Rui & Hu, Guangwei & Gu, Peter. (2014). The Relationship Between Use of Writing Strategies and English Proficiency in Singapore Primary Schools. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher. 23. 355-365. 10.1007/s40299-013-0110-0.
Arigita-García A, Sánchez-Cabrero R, Barrientos-Fernández A, Mañoso-Pacheco L, Pericacho-Gómez FJ. (2021). Pre-eminence of determining factors in second language learning: An educator’s perspective from Spain. Heliyon. Feb 19;7(2):e06282. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06282. PMID: 33665442; PMCID: PMC7905452.
De Souza, Christopher. (2019, August 5). Teacher-student ratio. https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/parliamentary-replies/20190805-teacher-student-ratio
McLean, Emina. (2021, October 14). The complex task of teaching writing. https://www.edresearch.edu.au/articles/complex-task-teaching-writing