| Writing is an essential skill that all students must learn how to do while in school. What starts out as learning to write ABCs and 123s, soon turns into the ability to write structured sentences that make sense, and then leads to the ability to write essays and reports in a clear and concise manner. It's no wonder that concentrating on the area of writing is so important in the classroom. This guide to teaching writing is geared to help teachers learn some effective ways that kids learn to write. Set Goals The first thing you need to do in order to properly teach writing to your students is to have a goal or purpose for what you want them to write. If a student does not understand what is you are trying to get him to write, he will either become very frustrated with the assignment and/or refuse to complete the assignment. This certainly was not your goal, so explain it to your students clearly. Example: You want your students to write a paragraph about animals. If you simply say, "I want you to write about animals," you are not giving any direction and students will have a ton of questions to ask you. On the other hand, if you say, "Write about an animal that hibernates in the winter," then you are giving clear instructions of what kind of animal they should be writing about. Also include as much detail in your description of the assignment, such as:
The proper way to write is to first take notes and then turn the notes into an outline, and finally the finished product. Encourage your students to take notes in a notebook. Next, have them transfer their notes into an organized outline, and lastly, have them turn their outline into a report, in that each paragraph has at least three sentences. Explain to your students that they should take notes consistently to develop the habit. They will be taking notes throughout their entire school career, so teaching them as early as possible is best. Students may also want to use a highlighter to make important information stand out. Creative Writing Possibilities Use your creative side to come up with fun ways for students to write. Writing in the same format will become mundane very quickly. Here are some ideas you might consider using instead:
Proofreading and Editing Before handing in any writing assignment, a student should know how to proofread and edit his work. Encourage your students to use these methods for proofreading and editing their papers:
Source: Worksheet Library at http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/teachingwriting.html Remember you matter, educators make the world go around! Cynthia Hughes & Carol Bailus (Newsletter Editors) Worksheet Library Check it our for more tips! |
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Teaching Writing Tips
Teaching Writing Tips
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Inventors' Day-Thomas Edison-Feb. 11
"Use these resources for science or social studies lessons and activities about innovation and invention, in observance of National Inventors' Day (celebrated on February 11, Thomas Edison's birthday), or at any time during the school year. Whether you are simply learning about the history of invention or planning a school wide Invention Convention, these resources will provide inspiration and project possibilities."
See more of these resources at http://www.teachersfirst.com/index.cfm
See more of these resources at http://www.teachersfirst.com/index.cfm
Source: http://www.teachersfirst.com/spectopics/inventorsandinventions.cfm
Inventors-Invention-For other resources go to the following sites:
Inventors-Invention-For other resources go to the following sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inventors%27_Day Inventors' Day
http://www.thomasedison.com/ Thomas Edison Site
http://www.teach-nology.com/themes/science/inventors/ Inventors-Invention
http://www.edhelper.com/inventors_and_inventions.htm Inventors-Invention Unit
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.php?DocID=356 Edison-Light Bulb
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/inventors/edison/lightbulb.shtml Light Bulb-Parts
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
February 2011 Calendar Themes-Events
February, 2011 Calendar
Jan 25, Tue - Feb 15, Tue
100th Day of school- date variesTeachersFirst's 100th Day Activities: 50+ Ideas for the 100th Day of School
Feb 06, Sunday
Super Bowl XLVCelebrate the Super Bowl! Teach Measurement Yard by Yard
Feb 11, Friday
National Inventors' Day (Thomas Edison's birthday)TeachersFirst's Resources for Inventors and Inventions
More February Resources: http://www.mrscjacksonsclass.com/februaryfun.htm
February Clipart: http://www.edhelper.com/
