UDL & Writing Access, Curiosity Questions & Expressive Writing
LI 100 · Writing With Joy: Self-Regulated Learning · Instructor: Dr. Greer-Effs
Today's Focus
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and writing access
- Curiosity questions
- Low-stakes expressive writing
Agenda at a Glance
| Time | Segment | Min |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 – 1:05 PM | Mindful Minute | 5 |
| 1:05 – 1:25 PM | Joyful Inquiry, UDL & Writing Access + Curiosity Questions | 20 |
| 1:25 – 1:45 PM | Low-Stakes Expressive Writing (quickwrite) | 20 |
| 1:45 – 2:25 PM | Class Discussion: A Dam Good Argument Ch 1 + Berea Writes Ch 1 (table groups) | 40 |
| 2:25 – 2:45 PM | Portfolio Launch + Writing Identity Self-Narrative | 20 |
| 2:45 – 2:50 PM | Closing & Today's Deliverables | 5 |
1. Mindful Minute
Let's settle in with one minute of mindful breathing before we begin.
1-Minute Mindful Breathing
Before we begin, let's settle in. Sit comfortably, soften your shoulders, and follow the circle for one minute.
2. Joyful Inquiry, UDL & Writing Access + Curiosity Questions
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) reminds us that there is no one "right" way to write or learn. Multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression make writing more accessible to everyone. In this course, joyful inquiry means leading with curiosity: what do you genuinely want to understand about writing, argument, and yourself as a writer?
Due today: Generate a short curiosity-question list, three to five honest questions you bring into this course. Post yours on the board below.
3. Low-Stakes Expressive Writing
This quickwrite grows directly out of our Aug 20 writing-identity minute paper. Write freely for several minutes, no polishing, no editing. The goal is to think honestly and specifically about yourself as a writer right now. This writing can feed your Writing Identity Self-Narrative (assigned today).
4. Class Discussion: Collaborative Table Groups
Instructions: In your collaborative table group, discuss the three guided prompts for each text. Capture your group's responses on the board under each text. We will then share out as a whole class.
A Dam Good Argument — Chapter 1
Read Chapter 1Delf, L., Drummond, R., & Kelly, K. · Oregon State University · Ch 1: Welcome to Another Writing Class!
- What does Chapter 1 say an argument is, and how does that compare to your own working definition of argument?
- Locate one example Delf, Drummond, and Kelly use to illustrate persuasion. Why is it effective, and what does it reveal about how arguments live in everyday life?
- What is one question or tension this chapter raises for your group that you would like to discuss as a whole class?
Berea Writes! — Chapter 1: Critical Reading
Read Chapter 1Adams, S. & Nichols, A. (2025) · Berea Writes! Handbook
- How does the chapter define critical reading, and how is it different from simply reading for information?
- Which one strategy for critical reading does your group want to try on the next course reading, and why?
- How might critical reading shape the way you approach your own writing and revision this semester?
5. Writing for Audiences Portfolio (Launch)
The Writing for Audiences Portfolio is a collection of short writing tasks written for different audiences, opening with the Writing Identity Self-Narrative and followed by pieces written for a professor, a peer reader, a public audience, or your future self. Each piece is accompanied by revision notes about tone, purpose, and context, the choices you make to reach a specific reader.
Example short-writing pieces (you choose what to engage in):
- An email to a professor or instructor
- A poem on any topic
- An email to a labor supervisor
- A graphic novella or storyboard
- An advertisement notice
- A CV for a future job position
- A job advertisement for a position at your future company
- Any other short piece of writing you wish to engage in
Each piece includes brief revision notes on tone, purpose, and context, how you adapted the writing for its audience.
6. Assignment Launch: Writing Identity Self-Narrative
Writing Identity Self-Narrative: Assignment Sheet
7. Closing & Today's Deliverables
Before you leave today:
- Due today: Curiosity-question list (posted on the board)
- Assigned: Writing Identity Self-Narrative (due Thursday, September 8)
- Begin drafting your self-narrative from today's expressive-writing quickwrite