Scaffolded Writing

I used the scaffolding strategy to help my weaker learners improved their writing
skill.
I started with modelled writing, where I demonstrated step-by-step how I
construct sentences based on the picture, using the sentence structure as my
guide.
Then, we moved on to shared writing, where we write together. I would write the
first part of the sentence, and then I would let my students continue. Or I would
list down all the verbs or the subjects, and let the students construct
sentences based on the list.
We also did group activity where my students would collaborate with one another
to construct sentences. I would divide the students into smaller groups and give
each group a set of word cards. Then I would show a picture and the students
would work in their groups to arrange the word cards and form sentences based on
the picture.
When the students had gained some confidence, I would let them write individually,
but with guidance. Normally I would give them worksheets where they would have
to rearrange words to form sentences, or fill in the blanks with the correct words.
I would reduce the control gradually, until my students were able to write
independently with little or no guidance from me.
Shared Writing

Group Activity

Guided Writing

Independent Writing

Pre-Writing Module

In order to be able to use the 'formulas' or the structures effectively, I need to

supply the students with the vocabulary. The students would need to know the
vocabulary for people, such as 'man', 'woman', 'boy', 'girl' and etc. And of course
the students would need to know a lot of verbs. And nouns. I have compiled a
module to help my students acquire the vocabulary that they need, and to help
them practice the skills of basic sentence construction and also some grammar.
The module is available for download here: