Writing

The early elementary years focus on teaching a child to be a proficient writer. As a child progresses, the emphasis shifts from writing instruction to ascertaining what a child can write. The articles below help a child become a proficient writer.

Handwriting Basics

How to Hold a Pencil - the key to writing neatly
Handwriting for Kids - how to properly form each letter
FREE Handwriting Worksheets - perfect practice makes perfect
Handwriting Assessments - track a child's progress

Writing Conventions

The Writing Process

Stages of the Writing Process
Writing Rubric

Writing By Grade

Common Abbreviations

Abbreviations are so widely used in printed material that it is beneficial to be able to write and read the most common ones. The use of an abbreviation aids in saving time, space and energy. Please note abbreviations may vary, specifically with use of periods and capitalization, e.g., mpg, MPG, … [Read more...] about Common Abbreviations

Learn to Write Your Name

Learning to write your name is something every child must do. By the end of kindergarten, many reading curriculums require students to write their name using both upper- and lowercase letters. Before a child can write her name, she will need to learn how to spell it. We offer some fun activities … [Read more...] about Learn to Write Your Name

Text Message: List of Abbreviations, Shorthand, and Acronyms

A text message, commonly referred to as texting, occurs when a brief electronic message is sent over a cellular network often in shorthand, e.g., “TY” for thank you. List of Text Abbreviations, Shorthand and Acronyms Keep your text messaging communication brief and concise by using shorthand, … [Read more...] about Text Message: List of Abbreviations, Shorthand, and Acronyms

Proverbs Can Be Useful As Writing Prompts

Proverbs are short well-known sayings that express a wise thought. They are common, thoughtful, short and often applicable to various situations. These thought provoking statements can also be used as a writing prompt. Select a few proverbs and have your child or student complete the ending, … [Read more...] about Proverbs Can Be Useful As Writing Prompts

Animal Research Project:
Writing an Animal Research Paper

Our third grade writing program requires each student to complete an animal research paper. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed this project and with the help of her teacher and writing prompts, she wrote an amazing paper (I’m really not biased – it was amazing). Resources to Research Animals Use … [Read more...] about Animal Research Project:
Writing an Animal Research Paper

Genre

A genre is a class or a category of artistic, musical, or literary composition characterized by a distinctive particular style, form or content. Literary Genre There are many different types of writing. Literary genre refers to the different categories of written material. We listed four … [Read more...] about Genre

Summary for Elementary Grades

A summary is a brief statement about the main points; it is typically a third to a quarter of the original text. A summary tells the most important ideas so avoid asking questions and using a dialogue. Contents of a Summary * Tells the main idea or most important ones. * Provides … [Read more...] about Summary for Elementary Grades

Reasons to Write

Writing serves many purposes; it can provide practical and useful information as well as express creativity. The 10 reasons for writing are as follows: 10 Reasons to Write Inform others. Tell a Story. Be creative. Explain something. Express yourself. Practice new skills. … [Read more...] about Reasons to Write

Kindergarten Writing Activities

Both of my children initially preferred to use all uppercase letters. The following fun activities can assist a child in recognizing and forming letters correctly: List of Kindergarten Writing Activities Complete Handwriting Worksheets. We offer free handwriting worksheets to help a child … [Read more...] about Kindergarten Writing Activities