Once your students are accustomed to writing every day, it is a good idea to present them with a variety of writing challenges. These forms of writing each require something different from the student, and will help him develop his writing and thinking skills.
Once familiar with each form, have your student try to turn one form into another (a poem into a narrative, for example).
Write Something Every Day: 366 Pencil Sharpeners for Students of Writing
This 554-pg. resource gives your student a fresh writing prompt or challenge for every day of the year, drawing on nearly 20 different forms of writing to keep things interesting. You’ll also find clear writing instruction, practical tips for adjusting assignments for younger writers, and helpful additional resources to support you as you teach. Learn more.
14 Different Forms of Writing For Older Students to Practice:
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: Outlines
Think of it as an organizing tool — most of the work is done in the intellect instead of on the page. Tips for writing outlines.
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: The Short Story
There is no “formula” for writing a short story, but we can consider the elements of a short story and design a cohesive plot.
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: How-To Essay
Easy-to-follow suggestions to prepare a how-to essay.
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: Autobiography
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: Tips for writing an autobiography.
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: Biography
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: Tips on writing a biography.
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: Limericks
The limerick makes a fun, easy introduction to writing poetry.
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: The Letter
Letter writing is still important: You may end up writing a letter of complaint, approval, application, resignation, apology, confirmation, request, or thanks.
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: Character Sketch
Character development is often one of the hardest tasks facing a writer. Here are ways to tackle the challenge!
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: Book Review
In a book review, a writer provides his own opinions, insights, and conclusions, without spoiling the plot for another reader.
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: News Story
Easy-to-follow suggestions to prepare a news story.
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: Descriptive Narrative
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: Descriptive Narrative. Nonfiction that attempts to entertain, bringing the reader along.
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: Persuasive Essay
A persuasive essay seeks to change opinions on a topic. It reflects the opinion of the writer and typically includes the following elements:
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: Poetry
Some students will find writing poetry easier task than many other forms of writing.
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: Note-Taking
Develop a note-taking system that you can improve upon as you develop your skills.
10 Steps to Writing a Research Paper
Here is how to guide your older student through writing a research paper: 10 Steps.
