Writing is often a difficult subject to teach kids, but using this method can simplify it for you and your students. Using predictable books to teach writing also simplifies your efforts as a writing teacher. After you outline a simple story, follow the guidelines below.
DAY 2
Gather your outline, some blank paper, and a pen or pencil. Your child can re-tell the story (out loud!) to refresh his memory - let him use the outline to stay on track.
Using the outline, have your child write a new sentence for each line. It is important to stress that the new sentence does not have to be exactly the same as the original. Don't be surprised to find that your child has even made the story better! Once each line is complete, your child will have a full paragraph.
If your children are very young, you may want to write the sentences as they dictate them. Once this is complete, check each sentence to make sure that spelling and punctuation are correct. Do not change the words or rewrite the sentences - let it be your child's writing, in his own voice.
If you have older students who can edit their own work, have them correct their own spelling and punctuation on day three.
Day 3
On the final day your child will copy his completed paragraph making any of your changes for spelling and punctuation. Of course, there are places you will see that need improving, but you can teach those concepts in a later lesson. This is an activity to help your students see they can write something on their own. They does not have to worry about "what" to write any more because you will give him a source text from which to start.
Repeat this simple activity several times. Your students will become more skilled in outlining and rewriting paragraphs. Choose paragraphs from several sources, depending on your child's interests and studies.
This is a wonderful way to teach your students how to write!
DAY 2
Gather your outline, some blank paper, and a pen or pencil. Your child can re-tell the story (out loud!) to refresh his memory - let him use the outline to stay on track.
Using the outline, have your child write a new sentence for each line. It is important to stress that the new sentence does not have to be exactly the same as the original. Don't be surprised to find that your child has even made the story better! Once each line is complete, your child will have a full paragraph.
If your children are very young, you may want to write the sentences as they dictate them. Once this is complete, check each sentence to make sure that spelling and punctuation are correct. Do not change the words or rewrite the sentences - let it be your child's writing, in his own voice.
If you have older students who can edit their own work, have them correct their own spelling and punctuation on day three.
Day 3
On the final day your child will copy his completed paragraph making any of your changes for spelling and punctuation. Of course, there are places you will see that need improving, but you can teach those concepts in a later lesson. This is an activity to help your students see they can write something on their own. They does not have to worry about "what" to write any more because you will give him a source text from which to start.
Repeat this simple activity several times. Your students will become more skilled in outlining and rewriting paragraphs. Choose paragraphs from several sources, depending on your child's interests and studies.
This is a wonderful way to teach your students how to write!
About the Author:
Kerry Beck encourages homeschool moms and classroom teachers in narrative instruction. Grab her free mini-course about middle school writing right now.
0 comments:
Post a Comment