Which instructional method is the best fit for supporting a struggling writer in a second-grade class?

Providing structured exercises in writing fluency is the best instructional method for supporting a struggling writer in a second-grade class. This approach helps in several key ways.

First, structured exercises are designed to build the foundational skills necessary for writing, such as sentence structure, word choice, and overall coherence. For a struggling writer, these exercises can provide the targeted practice they need to improve their skills in a manageable and focused way.

Second, writing fluency exercises can help decrease the cognitive load on students. When students practice writing in a structured manner, they develop muscle memory, allowing them to focus more on their ideas rather than getting bogged down by the mechanics of writing. This can be especially beneficial for second graders who are still developing their fine motor skills.

Moreover, incorporating structured exercises caters to diverse learning needs through differentiation. Teachers can adapt these exercises to be more appealing or accessible based on the individual needs of their students, thereby fostering a more inclusive learning environment.

In contrast, extensive homework tasks can overwhelm struggling writers and may not provide the scaffolding required for learning. Peer editing sessions could be beneficial for some students but may not offer the direct support needed for those still developing their basic writing skills. Minimizing handwriting practice could inadvertently hinder their progress in writing