The Functions of Writing in an Elementary Classroom

Little is known about the role played by writing in the lives of children either inside or outside school. The ethnographic study of writing in the classroom can inform us about the perspectives of both children and their teachers concerning writing and its communicative functions. This study analyzes the functions of writing in one elemen- tary classroom. The following four functions of writing are identified in the classroom: writing to participate in community, writing to know oneself and others, writing to occupy free time, and writing to demon- strate academic competence. These four functions are not commented on directly by participants but are inferred by ethnographic study to be the purposes for which their writing is undertaken. As such, the functions are interpretable in light of the social context of school and classroom and constitute an informal writing curriculum. Understand- ing and awareness of the functions of writing in the classroom can aid the acquisition of writing by helping teachers to furnish and take ad- vantage of meaningful and diverse opportunities for student writing.