SOCIAL STUDIES
STRATEGIES
Fast Write
A fast-write can quickly inform you of students’ recall about a topic previously
covered or one you think they should have some knowledge of. Particularly
effective with students who are reluctant to share with peers, the fast-write is a
safe “cognitive warm-up” that can be a springboard for discussions and provide
you with data that inform instructional planning.
Purpose:
To discover what students know about a topic; to use continual writing to help
students reclaim information.
Guidelines:
1.
With a fast-write, you write about a topic for several minutes. Even if
you’re stuck, because no ideas are surfacing, keep writing. If no ideas
come to mind, you can write “I’m stuck,’ or ‘Nothing to write,’ or repeat
the last word you wrote until an idea surfaces.”
2.
Model a fast-write. On chart paper, show students how a fast-write
works, repeating words when ideas stop flowing.
3.
Encourage students to ask questions about the modeled process.
4.
Have students complete a fast-write. Call for volunteers to read their
fast-writes and expand everyone’s knowledge. If no one volunteers,
collect papers and read them to determine the level of students’
background knowledge.
5.
Continue modeling and asking students to practice until they show you
they can comfortably do a fast-write.
Source: Robb, L., Teaching Reading in Social Studies, Science, and Math,
Scholastic, 2003