The Quick Start Guide to Teaching Writing
Want the condensed – what do I absolutely have to know about writing – version?
I hesitate to offer one.
The essence of Write Next To Me is that you, as homeschool or classroom teacher, will slow down from the daily teaching and equip yourself to tackle writing instruction with a fresh approach, new ideas, and a deeper understanding. I know sometimes when I read the quick start guide to using a new eletronic gadget or appliance; I set the thick user's manual aside, my thirst for info satisfied.
But I also know life is busy. Especially for parents and teachers.
So I offer this “final chapter” so to speak right up front. Not to compact the full content of Write Next To Me into one page, but rather to make suggestions on how to sort through the information in a useful manner. I encourage you to take time to digest each piece, incorporate it into your teaching style, and then return for more.
1. Read my review of The 9 Rights of Every Writer: A Guide for Teachers, by Vicki Spandel. If you have the time, read Spandel’s entire book. It will change how you teach students and how you teach writing.
2. Understand the purpose and how to utilize The Writer’s Notebook. The homeschool classroom allows students and parents more time than any other educational environment. Start notebooks with your students today.
3. Read Improving Student Writing and the subjects within this section. Researchers have studied writing instruction for years. Learn the best practices known in writing instruction and create ways to implement these ideas across your curriculum.
4. Read Types of Writing to learn what educational experts advise teachers emphasize in writing instruction. This is especially important for the parent educating at home who anticipates their child entering a traditional school in the future, whether that entry point is middle school, high school, or college.
Further explanation of writing development and ideas for writing instruction can be found under level divisions: Primary Writing, Upper Elementary Writing, and Adolescent Writing.
5. Read Grammar Study and Writing if you are unsure how these subject areas interplay.
6. Visit Writing Assignments for ideas on writing units, mini-lessons, and fun projects to do with your children. Visit this area often! New content will be added from time to time.
7. Write next to your students!
