By trade, I'm a Technical Writer. I write user documents, update social media and create successful branding. There is more to it, but this is the basic gist of what I do. I chose this line of writing because I love technology - it's trends and uses in our daily life and I enjoy sharing all of this with others and making it easier for others to understand.Elementary-aged students are the perfect age to start encouraging this craft.
Here's a few ways I get started:
BOARD GAMES: Depending on the age (I prefer 2nd through 5th Grades), will start by playing various board games. Before they can begin, they must first read the instructions out loud, talk about how the game is played, then play the game as instructed. After a time or two, they then agree on a few changes that would make the game better and play the game with those editions. The group will write the new instructions and share them with others in class. This is an incredibly easy way to introduce what a Technical Reader and Technical Writer actually do - but the best part is that it doesn't feel like work...we're playing!
LEGOS is always a winner in my book. We'll create shapes, houses, and more based on 'Challenge Card' instructions. Some of the cards are easy to follow, others might be riddled with issues. Students are to build these objects based on the exact detail of the instructions. They'll reflect on the final product and the ease of creating, then re-work and re-write the instructions to make it easier for anyone to pick up and create. Their words must include exact color, size and dimension of brick for clarity.
SCHOOL-WIDE EXPECTATIONS: We have expectations in our school for walking in the hallways, playing at recess, being in the cafeteria and more. Students will pick any of the areas they want to concentrate on and write proper procedures for being in that area. Those instructions are then shared on our morning broadcast of the news with the rest of the school.
ROBOTIC CHALLENGES: Teams of students will design their own robotic challenges by mapping out a plan, gathering details, materials, etc. They will test the game they created and write step-by-step instructions as to how the challenge is played. In 5th grade, the rest of the class will play the challenge and give constructive comments for making the challenge better or more engaging.
These are just a few ways to support reading and writing in the early grades. As well, these ideas encourage focus on what is becoming a well sought after skill in all industries. Technical Writers are those that communicate with the rest of the world the main focus of any business...a 'Superpower' of it's own!
As I look at our students, it's safe to say, we have a few strong Technical Writers coming up in the ranks!
