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Blended Structure and Style in Composition is a comprehensive
system for teaching writing skills at all grade levels. The programme is based
upon the two texts Blended Structure and Style in Composition by
Dr. James B. Webster (Professor Emeritus, Dalhousie University), and the Blended
Sound Sight Program of Learning by Mrs. Anna G. Ingham C.M. With these
two sources as its foundation, the writing system manages to incorporate an
astonishing and diverse battery of skills which are fundamental to effective
writing. The programme offers teachers a method with which to develop
competence, independence and creativity at all grade levels, from grade one to
post secondary levels. Students at any level, from special needs to talented
students, will succeed. The structure portion of the programme provides
students with a format which is predictable and easy to follow; they always
clearly know what to do and how to do it. Style is taught simultaneously
at a pace which allows all students to master the elements of writing skills at
their own pace. Individualization is a reality, not just a goal.
The basic tenets of the BSS programme are as follows:
- When students are given structural guidelines and specific requirements,
they are able to develop competency, independence, and as a result, various
levels of creativity.
- Each concept is introduced singly and modeled extensively before
independence is required.
- As students become competent at applying one concept, the teacher
introduces another, continuing to require that each student utilize the
skills learned thus far.
- Writing is practiced daily. Short assignments assist rapid progress
through the programme. Improvement is seen immediately after each new
concept is taught and practiced.
- Students must be allowed to progress at a level and pace suitable to them.
Individualization is stressed and every child can therefore succeed at their
own level. Inclusion is encouraged for each child.
This programme is not meant to be a stand-alone approach to the teaching of
Language Arts. Nor does it pretend to be a magical approach. Rather, it is a
system that requires hard work, time, many hours of practice, and consistency
which dramatically improves the most difficult of LA strands - writing.
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