What's Your Method for Teaching Writing Skills? (Part III)

Teaching children how to write is a challenge. By using the methods we have outlined in this three-part series, you can make this process easier for yourself and your students. Using predictable books to teach writing skills will increase your success. By now, you have completed a simple story outline. Over the next two days, your child will complete this exercise while strengthening his writing skills.


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.

Very young children may dictate each sentence as you write. At this point, you should check the paragraph for proper punctuation and spelling. Do not add or subtract words or rewrite the sentences - this is not your writing, it is your child's writing.

Older students who are capable of editing their own work for spelling and punctuation should do so on day three.

Here’s a video review of one of our writing products, “US History Based Writing - Volume 1."

Day 3
On the last day of this lesson, have your child re-write the completed paragraph or story. Make sure that the new copy has been corrected for punctuation and spelling - older children can do this themselves, while younger children may need some help. Don't expect your child to be great writers overnight. You will find areas which need improvement, and you can incorporate these concepts into later lessons. Best of all, your child won't waste time hunting for a topic; they can put all their efforts into learning the skills needed to become an effective writer.

You can repeat this activity as often as necessary. With practice, your child will improve his skills in outlining and writing. You can perform this exercise using paragraphs or stories from a wide range of interests - dinosaurs, fairy tales, even subjects they are learning about in class.

You will be amazed at this great method for teaching your students writing.

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Copyright Kerry Beck, 2009
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Kerry Beck enjoys encouraging homeschool moms and teachers with elementary school writing. Get Kerry’s free mini-course about Teaching Writing Easily at http://www.howtoteachwriting.com/ right now.