Often student writing is not held to the same high standards 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. [...]
Spring… testing… just around the corner. I feel a chill. We practiced some writing from time-to-time throughout the school year… actually… I guess it was really just grammar. Are the kids ready? Hey wait; winters gone, it’s spring. Time for a new beginning… YES… SPRING IS A TIME FOR NEW BEGINNINGS! Before year’s end, my [...]
Should you teach thesis statements? If so, in what grade should you teach thesis statements? Hey, are thesis statements even important? Most people don’t really understand what a thesis statement is, and even the people who do know what a thesis statement is don’t really understand why it is important. Until a few years ago, [...]
You and your students have worked hard on writing all year… and now it’s time to make sure it gets all the credit it deserves. Sometimes mandated writing rubrics can have harsh consequences… because sometimes fantastic writing misses the mark when it comes to the rubric. The goal here is to not only to improve [...]
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 [...]
In the inner-city of Los Angeles there are many “year round schools.” On quite a few of my vacations I have taken over classrooms that were “without a teacher.” These are classrooms where others “did not” or “would not” stay. They are challenging. They contain many, many reluctant and remedial writers. I have experienced these [...]
Christmas is a wonderful time of year for student writing. There is a very high level of student motivation! Student interest and motivation stays high when they write about Christmas coming from different angles and with different purposes. Here is a great list of Christmas essay and story writing ideas! Teaching your students to write [...]
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 [...]
What Exactly is an “Essay?” The term “essay,” can be a little confusing to many students (and teachers.) What exactly is an essay? There is also a little confusion as to when and how to teach essay writing. The truth is much of what students write in both elementary and middle school can be [...]