Writing
Writing is an often overlooked component of literacy, but the ability to write clearly and communicate effectively is critical to students — classroom and workplace success. And writing assignments can provide a means to enhance students' vocabulary, comprehension, and spelling skills.
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Cell Phone Novels: 140 Characters at a Time
Cell phone novels are short stories designed to be read on cellular telephones. This article examines the Japanese trend and its potential in America.
A Student's Perspective on Writing
Eli tells us what it is like to have dysgraphia. Regina Richards, a well-known expert on dysgraphia (and Eli's mom), explains how to help children who struggle with the challenges Eli describes. Practical techniques discussed include POWER (Prepare, Organize, Write, Edit, Revise) and providing authentic positive comments that move the child forward.
Teaching Writing to Diverse Student Populations
Writing is a complex operation requiring knowledge of text structure, syntax, vocabulary, and topic, and sensitivity to audience needs; so it is not surprising that many teens find writing challenging. This article identifies the qualities of strong writing instruction, and offers advice to teachers for incorporating writing instruction into their practice, using tools like notebooks and journals, and sharing strategies that reinforce the importance of pre-writing and revision.
Making Writing Instruction a Priority in America's Middle and High Schools
Sometimes writing is seen as the "flip side" of reading, and it is assumed that students who are proficient readers will naturally be proficient writers. While reading and writing are complementary skills, students do not become skilled writers without explicit instruction. This policy brief from the Alliance for Excellent Education examines how writing can be taught in secondary schools, and how policy can encourage more teachers to undertake writing instruction.
Writing Next
How can thousands of low-achieving adolescent writers develop into the flexible and fluent writers required by colleges and employers? This report recommends and details eleven fundamental elements of writing instruction and suggests ways to implement them in the classroom.
Writing Next
What does the research indicate concerning specific teaching techniques that will help adolescent students develop necessary writing skills?
Cognitive Strategies Tool Kit
This article describes eight cognitive strategies — including monitoring, tapping prior knowledge, and making predictions — to help readers develop their comprehension skills.
