Teaching kids how to write a paragraph? Use the hamburger analogy – and a paragraph example! They’ll soon understand topic, supporting detail, and concluding sentences. (more…)
Teaching argumentative writing in upper elementary grades scaffolds from one to five paragraphs. Learn how to use specific structures and strategies to get effective essays from your students. (more…)
Looking for a five-paragraph essay example? Look and listen in as a fourth grade teacher models this strong writing structure for her students. (more…)
Teaching persuasive writing methods to third or fourth graders? Begin with a simple graphic organizer. Then elaborate, improve word choice, add transitions, and vary sentences. Before you know it, kids’…
Enjoy teaching Black History Month with research projects and two other ELA activities. First, kids research famous African Americans. Second, they learn about the earliest Black settlers in the United…
Biography research projects can engage your entire class. Just use the Goldilocks principle. In other words, the process shouldn’t be too easy or too hard. Instead, it should be just…
Improve narrative writing in your classroom with a dozen handy hints! Focus on one or two each time kids write, and watch their writing shine! Read on for ideas and…
Teaching kids to write stories is a year-long process. To build strong structure, use these four steps. 1) Begin with a simple story line. 2) Help them focus on the…
Beginnings and endings can unify persuasive writing. To open the paragraph, offer an invitation to read on. For example, hook them with a question, dialogue, or surprise statement. At the…