ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we’ll explore the culturally relevant instructional practice of identifying and analyzing writing strategies in a wide range of texts—especially those related to students’ cultural backgrounds and out-of-school lives. First, we’ll consider it means to help students connect the study of writing strategies to a diverse range of texts, highlighting the main features of this instructional approach. Next, we’ll explore the benefits of this instructional practice, addressing ways it can enhances students’ academic and personal development. After that, I’ll discuss ways this practice can look in action in ELA classes of varying grade levels by presenting three different assignments (designed for elementary, middle, and high school, respectively) that can help students connect writing strategies and diverse texts. Finally, I’ll present key points to consider when putting the idea discussed in this chapter into action in your classes.
