Teaching Writing Fast and Effectively!

Disorganized Boys

The New York Times published an article by Alan Finder in January 2008 entitled, “Giving Disorganized Boys the Tools for Success.”

The article addressed the educational achievement gap that is growing between boys and girls. These days it is girls who are having more success in school. The major premise of the article is that the lack of organizational skills may be holding boys back.

The article quotes Judith Kleinfeld, a psychology professor at the University of Alaska as saying, “The guys just don’t seem to develop the skills that involve organization as early.” 

The article then goes on to explain how certain $100 per hour tutors where getting these boys organized.

The Organization of Information: What Can Teachers Do?

Much of what we teach (and what we learn) deals with the organization of information. We organize information so we can use that information to bring control and order into the world we live in. (The more we know, the more we have the ability to control. However, unorganized information is not easy to use or access.)

In part 3 of this series I am going to outline a system I have used to get students organized. I had one student who was so far behind that retention was the best solution. Two years later they were still using this organizational system as they received an end of year award for achievement. (Now, that is a turnaround!)

Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay

“Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay” is a writing program, and as such it teaches students how to write well organized essays and reports quickly and easily. However, it is MUCH MORE than a writing program. It teaches students how to organize information using many breakthrough methods.

The teacher who teaches writing using “Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay” will likely use a variety of the organizational techniques across the entire curriculum. There is very little backsliding in student writing as the methods used in this program bring about TRUE MASTERY in the art of organizing information and ideas.

The Problem is Not Always with How We Teach Writing; It is That We Don’t Teach Organization