Writing in the classroom is one of the most powerful tools for growing language learners’ skills. When students write, they slow language down enough to really notice how it works—how sentences are built, how ideas connect, and which words express meaning most clearly. This noticing deepens their understanding of grammar and vocabulary far more effectively than passive exposure alone.

Writing also gives learners a safe space to experiment. They can try new structures, recycle target language, and take risks they might avoid in spoken conversation. Over time, this boosts accuracy and confidence.

Finally, classroom writing naturally supports the other skills. Planning a paragraph strengthens reading-like skills; revising develops critical thinking; sharing their work enhances speaking and listening. In short, writing transforms your classroom into a workshop where language becomes something students can shape, refine, and truly make their own.

There are numerous ways writing can be brought in. From simple daily sentences, to journaling, to full-on essays. Check out some of the examples below.

Writing the Calendar Routine

Think morning meeting, but in writing. This routine is especially useful for our newcomer students. Every day they open their notebook to a new page and fill in the information for the current date using the calendar and the provided sentence frames. Have them practice speaking them with a partner and recording themselves too!

Writing with Pictures

Using pictures can be an incredibly helpful support for language learners. The visual immediately accesses background knowledge and makes getting started much easier! Include sentence frames and a vocabulary bank and you’ve got a fool-proof writing routine!

Writing as a Process – 1

This is another writing routine that starts with a picture. You can basically pick any picture – which makes adding this into any content area a breeze. Help students brainstorm the words for what they see in the image. Build from the word level, to the phrase level, to the sentence level. Then, students can build their own simple book with the sentences they’ve written.

Writing as a Process – 2

This is more like your typical writing process: pre-writing, drafting, editing, publishing. This particular routine is great for the mid-high level language learners who have a deeper vocabulary well to pull from and are already familiar with the writing structures and expectations of English.

Choose a FREE RESOURCE!

These are varying ways writing can be incorporated into your classroom. If you’re looking for a place to start, check out the free resources linked below. The supports and freedom of choice will spark student interest and build their confidence for sure!

Happy writing!!