Monthly Archives: December 2011

Christmas has once again come and gone and I await,with anticipation, the new year of 2012 and what it will bring.  Sitting and enjoying a steamy cup of coffee last night, I started reminiscing about growing up and  about my … Continue reading →

Stage 2 of the writing process is the rough draft, also called the first draft or the sloppy copy.  I prefer sloppy copy because it reminds the students that once they revise and proofread their first draft, it will be … Continue reading →

Prewriting is a very important part of the writing process, one of the most important steps, I believe.  Just as an architect develops a house plan, so does a writer develop his plan.  During  prewriting, one decides the purpose of … Continue reading →

Many times we will offer topics to our students, but choice of topics allows students to write about their interests.  On those occasions when students are allowed to choose, we sometimes have students who struggle with finding a topic so … Continue reading →

The writing process is a structured way to teach students how to write.   Over time the process should become more fluid and recursive as students move back and forth between stages.  Students, if they are to improve, need to … Continue reading →

Recently, while traveling down the expressway, I marveled at the beauty of the autumn leaves that surrounded me on all sides.  The vibrant colors basically took away my breath as we rushed in and out of traffic. Muted oranges, rustic … Continue reading →

As we begin this writing journey together, let’s keep something in mind:  never assume anything. When students arrive at our doors, we must start where they are no matter how ill-prepared we think they may be.  With Common Core Standards … Continue reading →

Teaching composition is hard work. Now that we have established that fact, we can begin to make a difference by seeking out strategies to get it done in an exciting and wonderful way. Each of us as educators has got … Continue reading →