What's Your Method for Teaching Writing Skills? Part II

In part I of this series, I told you about Andrew Pudewa's incredible system to teach students how to write. In his program, Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, he teaches students how to write, not how to choose a topic.

I've used this model with great results. Today, I'll show you some free writing lessons online that are based on Mr. Pudewa's system. It's never too late to help your child develop strong writing skills. If your child is just starting school or is struggling to keep up, this is a good place to start teaching them how to write. Mr. Pudewa suggests using predictable books to teach writing, so choose one that doesn't have many twists and turns in the story line. Ready? Let's begin!

Day 1 To begin, find a simple, one-page story. Aesop's Fables are a perfect length, though you may choose any story to begin. Sit down with your child and read the story aloud. Once you are finished, create a "structure" or outline; this will help when you and your child write an outline of key words in the story. Your structure should look like this:

I.

1.

2.

3.

4.

You will notice that there are no letters, only numbers, on this structure. There is an excellent reason for this -- children find a numbered outline easier to follow than one that includes letters. Make sure that you have a number for each sentence in the story.

Re-read the first sentence with your child, and then ask the student to choose 3 key words from the sentence. These words will help him (or her, of course) to remember the first sentence. Underline or circle those words, and then write them (in order!) on "I". These keywords will help him recall the story later, when he puts it into his own words.

From there, read the second sentence and choose another three key words. Write those words beside 1. If your child only has a word or two, that's fine - just make sure that there are no more than three words. Your child must decide for himself which words to choose. We aren't trying to force your child to remember every little detail, just the highlights so he can re-write the sentences later.

Continue in this fashion until the outline is complete, and then put away the original story. Now let your child tell you what each paragraph was about, using the written outline as a guide. It is easier for children to say it out loud, rather than writing it all down. Congratulations! You have completed the first half of this writing lesson!

Whatever the age of your children, make sure that they tell you the story again, paragraph by paragraph. It may seem childish, especially for older children, but it is an important part of the thought process.

Join us for part 3 of this series, where I share more free writing lessons online. Use this easy outline to help your children learn to write while developing their own voice.

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© Kerry Beck, 2008
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Kerry Beck helps teachers and homeschool moms with free writing lessons online. She has a free mini-course to show you how to teach writing at Teaching Writing.