Case Studies
Tracing the Development of Voice in Early Writing
OELP believes that meaningful learning is reflected through the voice it gives to a child’s writings as illustrated through the writing samples of a Devaram. These are all samples of free writing in the classroom. Such writing follows either a Read Aloud session or Classroom talk time during which the teacher draws upon the children’s real or imaginary experiences, feelings, opinions or ideas.
Devaram’s Journey
August 2014
Devaram is demonstrating emergent writing skills; there are no letters in his writing and the topic or message is unclear
September 2014
Devaram recognizes that words have meaning and uses random written words; the topic or message is unclear
December 2014
Devaram uses drawings, random words, and attempts to write sentences
January 2015
Devaram selects meaningful words as well as, draws and writes a clear sentence to share about a rainy day. However, it is not directly connected to his personal experience
February 2015
Devaram uses drawings, labeling and simple sentences to share about a personal experience through the use of the first person plural pronoun “we” (hum)
April 2015
Devaram uses well formed sentences to share an interesting occurrence and illustrates his experience. Once again he uses the first person plural pronoun “we”, and limited descriptive vocabulary
May 2015
Devaram uses the first person singular pronoun ‘I’. He provides a vivid description of a dream sequence. He includes his grandmother in the dream. He also expresses an opinion about defending one’s country. There is clear evidence of voice in this piece of writing
October 2015
Devaram shares an imaginative personal experience. There is clear evidence of his “voice”