Paragraphs have unity and coherence. A paragraph has a single minded focus. There must be no information in the paragraph which does not serve that purpose. We call these “good paragraphs.” The best of the best are known as “perfect paragraphs.”
But not all paragraphs are good… let alone perfect. In fact, it doesn’t take much [...]
What is the goal of your writing instruction?
• Is your instruction geared to helping your students become the next great American novelist?
• Is your primary goal to make sure that your students never leave a dangling participle or slit an infinitive?
• Do you hope to develop a passion for writing?
• Is your goal to help develop the writing skills [...]
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 [...]
Often student writing is not held to the same high standard that student work is in many of the other subjects.
Here are a few reasons why:
1. Writing is an art. There is not an “easy answer key” for the writing teacher.
2. The way writing is taught can often seem “esoteric” to children. It [...]
Research based report writing deals extensively with the organization of information and ideas. That’s a VERY, VERY important part of what “Pattern Based Writing: Quick and Easy Essay” teaches! After using “Pattern Based Writing: Quick and Easy Essay” your students will easily be ready for these “Fifteen Steps to Fantastic Research Reports!” (I’ve outlined the [...]
A Paragraph Beautifully Defined
A paragraph is a collection of sentences with unity of purpose. A paragraph handles and exhausts a distinct topic.
Alexander Bain – 1871
This description of a paragraph is about as good as it gets! Alexander Bain is also credited as having been the first person to have formally laid down the rules [...]
State Standards, Standardized Tests, and… Writer’s Workshop?
In the real world of state standards and standardized tests, it can be a little difficult for a teacher to get their head around what Writer’s Workshop is. As long as I have been teaching there has been a continuing push towards making teachers more and more accountable for [...]
Grammar, Vocabulary, Worksheets… NOT!
Grammar, phonics… whatever my students need is what I want to teach. I can get as excited about the sound of a single letter as I can about an entire essay.
Discovering the full beauty and interconnectedness of a particular subject is always fascinating to me.
This beauty exists in even the most minute [...]
Controversy in the World of Writer’s Workshop
Teaching writing… in the world of teaching… is “controversial.” So few teachers really feel they know how to teach “writing” well. Everyone feels they teach “grammar” just fine, but writing… This feeling of uncertainty creates defensiveness and high emotions.
But even in the world of teaching writing… just the mention [...]
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 [...]