Gifted and Talented (G.A.T.E.) Students Do the MATH before they do the WRITING
I once taught a 5th grade G.A.T.E. class at a very affluent school for the final two months of the school year. It was my off-track vacation time and their teacher could not finish the year. I had never seen students like these [...]
Here are sentiments against teaching the five-paragraph essay. (Whew… these people were hot under their collar!)
• In High School, I was “taught” to write five-paragraph essays (and when I say “taught,” I mean “forced.”) The five-paragraph essay was the only form allowed in Sophomore English class.
• I hope it’s not taught anymore.
• -my daughter hated it. She would [...]
The State of Affairs for “Beginning, Middle, and Endings” in Student Writing
The sad truth is students aren’t interested in beginning, middle, and ending. No. I’m not sure that they ever were… but in this modern age… it’s passé. It’s boring. It doesn’t pique their interest… and they don’t see what it is so important about [...]
Two Kinds of Writing Assignments for Student Essays and Reports
1. The topic has not been assigned. Students choose the topic.
2. The topic has been assigned. Students must follow the directions and stay on topic.
Teachers must find the right balance between these two methods when giving assignments.
These ideas will help when you do assign the [...]
Six Reasons You May Want to Use a Writing Prompt When Teaching Children Writing
1. Challenge students’ thinking and writing skills
2. Create interest in writing and inspire creativity
3. Get reluctant writers writing
4. Help students develop the habit of writing every day
5. Practice for writing assessments
6. You are giving a classroom assignment that involves writing
Kinds of Writing Prompts for Elementary and Middle School [...]
State Writing Standards Simplified
State writing standards can be a little difficult to digest. Here is a combined list of elementary and middle school state writing standards that provide a very good overview of what is important in both elementary and middle school writing.
“Pattern Based Writing: Quick and Easy Essay” will provide a rock solid foundation [...]
Using and Benefiting From Prewriting: Elementary and Middle School Students
The benefits of mastering prewriting skills for elementary and middle school students are really quite profound. By learning effective prewriting techniques students can develop the skill of being able to see the big picture before they start an assignment or project of any kind.
When students have [...]