What is Writing Pedagogy

This chapter describes an iterative process using writing workshops to develop preservice early childhood and elementary teachers' (1) writing pedagogy, (2) pedagogical content knowledge for teaching writing, and (3) an equity-oriented mindset. Across two teacher education literacy courses, preservice teachers engaged in writing in their discipline, specifically learning the language, tone, and content to communicate to students' caregivers on unit introductions or progress reports regarding academic performance, curricular decisions, and motivation. Analysis of preservice teachers' submissions revealed developing abilities to use an equity-oriented mindset when writing to caregivers, to apply previously learned writing skills to new content, to develop meta-awareness of their own writing experiences and process, and to communicate effectively for a less-familiar audience. The chapter concluded with suggestions for teacher educators.