At the end of last term I changed my writing groups from streamed ability to mixed ability. After having the opportunity to reflect on how it was going, I am pleased to say my changes were the right changes to make for my class.
Writing time in Room 2 has a positive 'buzz' about it. Students are all willingly sharing their ideas, thoughts, feedback etc with one another, irrespective of whether they are boys or girls, friends or someone they haven't really worked with before. I have noticed a big improvement in both the quality and volume of work that students are writing.
At present, students are confidently helping one another and offering feedback on ways to improve writing. Students who have tended to find writing difficult, are also asking a lot more questions and seeking advice from peers, using the writing tools from within the classroom. As the teacher I am not being interrupted while i'm working with a writing group, as the students are able to seek help and advice for more able writers.
The more able writers have also grown in confidence and maturity as they relish in their supportive roles which also helps them to reinforce their writing process.
The next step or me is to now get student feedback and see what their thoughts are about working in mixed ability groups.
