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. [...]
Time for Journal Writing The main issue with journals is “time.” Is it worth the time? There are so few hours for all we need to accomplish, are journals a good use of time? Truth is, teachers need to use precious classroom time wisely. I’m going to give you a lot to think about in [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Why Teach Children Poetry? Are you a true lover of poetry? Are you an avid and exceptional teacher of poetry in the classroom? If so… then this article is not for you. This article is for the rest of us teachers who know that poetry has value… but with limited time and so much to [...]
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 [...]
(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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]