Producing words is the first step in helping our reluctant writers become confident writers. As we’ve said before, a writer needs to write in order to grow and improve as a writer, and a daily writing habit is of critical importance in increasing writing fluency. In this module, learners will examine some of the tools and techniques that can help reluctant writers improve their confidence and comfort level. We’ll look at the strategies and practices involving daybooks, mentor texts, mini-lessons and scaffolding. You’ll learn about Vygotsky and the ZPD, and you’ll continue working on your reluctant writer case study.

In this module, we look at ways to move from engaging with reluctant writers to empowering them. We’ll examine two of the most important practices that help us focus on the specific needs and growth of each individual student, conferencing and reflection. Every reluctant writer has his or her own areas of strength and areas in need of improvement, and in student conferences, we can identify those specific needs by working with students one-on-one. Through reflection, students can become empowered as they come to identify and understand their own processes of learning and growth. In seeing writing – and even learning overall – as a series of choices they make, students can realize they have the power to determine what those choices will be. We'll also examine the value of writing for an authentic audience, and at the end of this module, you’ll complete your case study of one reluctant writer and you’ll reflect on how you might use your learning to help reluctant writers you currently teach or will teach in the future.