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persuasive paragraphs, persuasive writing, transitions

Transitions, or linking words, help readers navigate the text. When students use them, writing flows. For beginners, provide a list of terms. As they become more proficient, ask them to…

Varying Sentences Jazzes Up Persuasive Writing

January 21, 2018

persuasive paragraphs, persuasive writing, sentence variety, varying sentences

Varying sentences improves style. When kids feel finished with their writing, it’s time to shake things up. First, begin every sentence in a paragraph differently. Second, vary sentence types. For…

Elaboration Strengthens Persuasive Writing

January 14, 2018

elaborating, elaboration, persuasive paragraph, persuasive writing

Elaboration can really strengthen persuasive writing. Let’s take a look at three ways to teach it. As an easy first step, ask kids to add examples. When they get the…

Word Choice Improves Persuasive Writing

January 7, 2018

persuasive paragraphs, persuasive writing, word choice

Word choice improves persuasive writing! When kids use specialized vocabulary, their writing becomes more credible. How can your students ramp up their persuasive power? Ask them to develop specialized word…

Structure Organizes Persuasive Writing

January 3, 2018

persuasive paragraph, persuasive writing, persuasive writing fifth grade, persuasive writing fourth grade, persuasive writing structure, persuasive writing third grade

Persuasive writing structure is strong and straightforward. Begin with an opinion. Add three strong, supportive reasons. End with a call to action. When third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade…

Persuasive Paragraph Perfection – Modeling Works!

June 10, 2017

persuasive paragraph, persuasive writing, writing process

Persuasive paragraph perfection can be achieved. Just teach in four chunks: structure, ideas, sentences, and words. For best results, model the process. Don’t be afraid to write in front of…

Have Some Fun with Baseline Assessment

August 14, 2016

baseline assessment, beginning of year assessment

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Have some fun with beginning-of-year baseline assessment! (1) Choose a lively format. (2) Keep it active. (3) Get kids involved. (4) Use to inform instruction. Your teaching will improve. And…

6 Things Zumba Made Me Know About Teaching

January 2, 2016

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instructional planning, teaching, zumba

Sometimes we learn about teaching in the most unlikely places. As Ms. Sneed began a new Zumba class, for example, there was a definite learning curve. “Is this how my…

How to Unlock Classroom Starting Points with Data

January 1, 2016

classroom starting points, enjoy teaching, multiple data points, standardized tests, standards, student starting points

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