The Missouri Reader Vol. 36, Issue 1 | Page 58

instead of beginning instruction at the students‘ independent level, it is important to begin at a level where they will need the assistance of the teacher in order to accomplish new skills. As the teacher, it is important to provide adjustable support to accommodate this learning (Dorn et al., 1998). According to Robb (2003), this can be accomplished through small group instruction. In the classroom, the ZPD will be different for each student. The purpose of small-group instruction is to provide extra support for students with similar needs. Meeting the needs of all students will accelerate their learning in a powerful way (Diller, 2007). Writing is a daily occurrence. People use writing as a way to communicate their feelings, ideas, concepts, and dreams to others. Everyone experiences different things in their daily lives and writing is one of the most personal means in which to share these experiences with others (Graves, 1994). In the field of teaching, writing is considered to be one of the three R‘s