Introduction

1. Writing in the native language: not easy, but important

To write in their first language or mother tongue is very difficult or even impossible for many children and adolescents whose parents or grandparents have emigrated. If these writing skills are not developed in school, …

2. Goals and structure of this publication

This publication supports the teachers and students of heritage language education in developing writing competences in the first language in an educationally current, enjoyable and motivating manner. The introduction to didactic key aspects of writing …

3. Key aspects of current didactics of writing texts

The following remarks pertain to the current writing didactics in the German-speaking ares, but naturally also reflect international developments. The new conception of the last 30 years is already evident in the term “Didactics of …

4. Additional observations concerning text writing in the heritage language

One of the characteristics of heritage language teaching is the students‘ heterogeneity and the fact that many of them experience considerable difficulty with the more demanding literacy aspects of their first language. The challenges for …

5. Evaluation and assessment of written work: important considerations

Assessment function: The assessment of students‘ written products should not only be the job of the teacher. A communicative writing concept that involves the target group (see above 3.a), considers the feedback of other readers …

Preface to the series “Materials for heritage language teaching”

Writing in the native language: not easy, but important

Explanations, abbreviations
First language	Also mother tongue or family language: the first language a child has learned and speaks at home. Some children have two first languages.
School language	The language that is spoken in the schools of the host country. In addition, the local dialect may count as an environment language.
Abbreviations	S: Student T: Teacher (instructor)

Legend for indications referencing organizational form, class, time requirements concerning teaching proposals:
	IW = Individual Work
	WP = Working with a partner
	SG = Small Groups
	WC = Whole Class
2nd – 4th grade	Suitable for... to... (e.g. 2nd – 4th grade). Keeping in mind that this designation may vary according to the requirements of the individual students.
20 minutes	Approximate time requirement, e.g. 20 minutes. (Estimated time varies, must be determined by the instructor according to the level and the requirements of the class).

1. Writing in the native language: not easy, but important

2. Goals and structure of this publication

3. Key aspects of current didactics of writing texts

4. Additional observations concerning text writing in the heritage language

5. Evaluation and assessment of written work: important considerations

Table of Contents