Writing prompts should be used as a TOOL to help students learn to write better. Writing prompts help students learn how to: • Write to a prompt • Follow directions • Stay on topic However, students also need to learn how to: • Think for themselves AND • Get their work done independently Over-relying on writing prompts for students “who [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
(If your children or students are struggling with paragraphs… be sure to read “Teaching Children Paragraph Writing is Hard!) The Different Kinds of Paragraphs 1. How-to Paragraph (Process Paragraph) – First, Next, Then, Finally 2. Compare and Contrast Paragraph – Eggplant is both good…and bad! 3. Descriptive Paragraph – It was a dark and stormy night, yet the [...]
What is the Purpose of Your Writing Prompt? Have You Defined a Goal or Objective? The most important thing about a writing prompt is for the teacher to have a purpose for the writing prompt. Many teachers don’t think a lot about what their purpose is when they put up a writing prompt. The thought [...]