Techniques and strategies for writing (M11–13)

Recommendations for implementation

M11

M11 (finding ideas, planning texts with clusters, mind maps and small pieces of paper):

All three techniques, but most of all clusters and mind maps should be discussed and applied by way of various concrete examples. For the cluster method, imagination and association-related topics are most suitable. The mind map leads from the beginning to a higher degree of structure, which has proven useful with specialized topics or presentations. It is also possible to first create a cluster for a topic and to continue developing it further in form of a mind map.

For the first, teacher-guided attempts with both methods, the students could also work in teams of two (using A3 paper). As with all learning techniques, these should be the subject of discussion in class, as well, particularly the students‘ experiences with them, and the context in which the new techniques can be applied.

M12 and M13

M12 (Planning and revising a text – step by step) and M13 (dealing with writing problems) are newly-created versions of the worksheets 1 and 2 from the didactic volume 1 of the series «Materials for heritage language teaching» («Promoting writing in the first language»). First, M12 should be addressed, then M13. Before distributing them (or the larger originals from volume 1), it is useful to conduct a discussion about the steps of planning a text and about writing problems. A writing topic should be selected for specific implementation of M12, and the illustration of individual steps related to it. This should absolutely be repeated 2-3 times. M13 (dealing with writing problems) can be distributed and discussed during or after the first writing projects are handed in.

Finding ideas, text planning with clusters, mind maps and little notes

Overview There is no doubt whatsoever about the importance of literal competences – reading and writing. To have these competences at one’s hands in the first language as well is an important prerequisite for a comprehensive bilingualism. Learning strategies and techniques are of significant importance as well for the promotion of reading and writing. Since they are largely language-independent and work across languages, respectively, the techniques that are introduced and practiced in HLT are also useful for regular classroom education – and vice versa. For a discussion of different aspects and ideas concerning the topic of writing, see volume 1 of this series (“Didactic suggestions for the promotion of writing in the first language“). In the following, we are thus limiting the scope to tips for finding and implementing ideas for writing with clusters, mind maps, and little papers, as well as two newly created worksheets from that volume which support the students in the conception of texts and in dealing with writing problems.

Topic Information

1st – 3rd grade 4th – 6th grade 7th – 9th grade

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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).

4. Techniques and strategies for writing (M11–13)

Recommendations for implementation

M11. Finding ideas, text planning with clusters, mind maps and little notes

M12. Planning, writing and revising a text, step by step

M13. Addressing writing problems

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