Teaching Writing: From Handwriting to Student Voice
Episode 10 of Literacy Talks takes listeners on a deep dive into the complex, rewarding work of teaching writing. Hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny unpack what writing instruction looks like from early transcription skills to confident composition — and how teachers can nurture each step along the way.
The Simple and Not-So-Simple View of Writing
The conversation begins with Donell Pons introducing the Simple View of Writing, which breaks writing into two main components: transcription (handwriting and spelling) and composition (expressing ideas). But as the hosts discuss, writing is never simple. It demands fine motor skills, language development, executive function, and a healthy dose of motivation.
The trio shares their experiences with students who struggle with writing and emphasizes the importance of early intervention and practical classroom adjustments — from slanted writing boards to better handwriting tools.
Handwriting and Spelling: Building Blocks of Literacy
Lindsay Kemeny highlights how teaching handwriting goes beyond neat penmanship. It’s about automaticity — helping students write letters fluently so their brains can focus on spelling and meaning.
The group discusses:
- Connecting letter formation to phonemic awareness (linking sounds and symbols)
- Why even older students benefit from transcription support
- The value of “temporary” or “estimated” spelling as a learning step
These insights remind educators that writing fluency starts with handwriting fluency — and both require explicit, patient instruction.
The Role of Oral Language in Writing
A key takeaway from this episode is how oral language development supports writing.
As Lindsay puts it: “If you can’t say it, you can’t write it.”
The hosts stress giving students time to talk, think aloud, and organize their ideas before writing. Structured conversations, sentence-level practice, and vocabulary use all strengthen students’ ability to compose meaningful written work.
Student Voice, Motivation, and Joy in Writing
As the discussion moves into composition, student voice takes center stage. Donell and Stacy reflect on how older students often lose confidence in writing when their voices aren’t valued. Teachers can bring joy back into writing by:
- Encouraging personal connections to prompts
- Allowing choice and opinions in responses
- Modeling writing alongside students
- Using creative activities like reporter notebooks or birthday interviews
When students see writing as a way to express their thoughts and experiences, they engage more deeply — and that’s when learning sticks.
Key Takeaways for Teachers
- Writing instruction is multi-layered: transcription, composition, and language all connect.
- Early and explicit handwriting instruction pays off in long-term writing fluency.
- Oral language is the foundation for written expression.
- Building student confidence and joy in writing makes all the difference.
Resources Mentioned in Episode 10
- The Simple and Not-So-Simple View of Writing (academic articles referenced by Donell)
- Research on alphabet knowledge and name writing as early indicators of writing success
- SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development) strategies from Dr. Karen Harris and Dr. Leslie Laud
- Language Experience Approach (LEA) for connecting oral language to written text
Listen and Learn More
🎧 Listen to Episode 10: “Handwriting, Spelling, and Student Voice: A Writing Deep Dive”
Available now on ReadingHorizons.com/LiteracyTalks and wherever you get your podcasts.
