Rhyming couplets are two consecutive lines of poetry that have the same sound at the end.
Tag Archives: Writing Helps
7 Lessons for Teaching Writing
We learn to write by reading and writing. This natural method of learning to write is actually the MOST effective way to learn.
10 Steps to Writing a Research Paper
Here is how to guide your older student through writing a research paper: 10 Steps
Activity: Creative Writing with the Random Word Generator
Use a random word generator to keep your children writing every day!
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: Poetry
Some students will find writing poetry easier task than many other forms of writing.
Persuasion Map for Persuasive Essays {Free Interactive}
Here is another great tool at ReadWriteThink.org: A free persuasion map interactive that walks a student through the process of creating a persuasive essay. The interactive is easy and intuitive to use. Begin by entering your name and a title for your essay. Then press the “get started” button. Next you are prompted to formContinue reading “Persuasion Map for Persuasive Essays {Free Interactive}”
Letter Generator Interactive {Free}
After a child is able to write comfortably, he will need things to write. We have suggested 8 writing activities for the younger student — one of which is writing a letter. This free Letter Generator interactive at ReadWriteThink.org is an excellent guide for the younger writer. The letter generator provides an easy way toContinue reading “Letter Generator Interactive {Free}”
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:
20 Ways to Choose a Creative Writing Topic
Let them choose a topic: 20 ways to choose a creative writing topic.
The Century Handbook of Writing {Free eBook}
Here is one we actually have on the shelf, so it is particularly nice to see it available as a free download. The Century Handbook of Writing by Garland Greever and Easley S. Jones was originally published in 1920 to help students improve their writing skills — themselves. By a device equally efficient, the bookContinue reading “The Century Handbook of Writing {Free eBook}”
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: Note-Taking
Develop a note-taking system that you can improve upon as you develop your skills.
English Grammar & Composition {Free eBook}
If you spend any time on this site at all, you know we strongly advocate the natural way of walking our children through language arts. Spending each successive year drilling grammar will not make a good writer. Good writers write. With a successful track record in writing, your student will be ready for a goodContinue reading “English Grammar & Composition {Free eBook}”
16 Tips: Building a Better Writer
16 of our best tips to help you help your child develop his writing … the natural way.
Language Arts the Natural Way: Dictation
We started by reading to our child, familiarizing him with language. At some point we had him narrate to us what was read, absorbing the language. Our child traced his name. Then he began copying — letters, sentences, paragraphs. Now that he is familiar with language and has been writing comfortably for some time, weContinue reading “Language Arts the Natural Way: Dictation”
Language Arts the Natural Way: Copying
Once a child is comfortable holding a pencil, he can begin copying. Rather than starting with copywork, some prefer to start with tracing. Probably your child’s first writing lesson was when you printed his name and he traced it or copied it. Or maybe you started even earlier with one letter instead of a word….Continue reading “Language Arts the Natural Way: Copying”
Language Arts the Natural Way: Narrating
I remember when we first started homeschooling our oldest. I, fortunately, didn’t know any better than to just pull together those materials I thought we needed. One of these gems was the first book in the Writing Strands series by Dave Marks. This little book focused on writing — “oral writing.” It was much laterContinue reading “Language Arts the Natural Way: Narrating”
Language Arts the Natural Way: Reading
Most great writers are great readers. That makes sense if you consider that, by reading, an authors’ words and the way they are used are input, and “copied” when we write — albeit with our own words and style. Someone once said that the books I read will make the difference between who I wasContinue reading “Language Arts the Natural Way: Reading”
Language Arts the Natural Way: Introduction
Before your child reaches school age, does he know how to talk? How did he learn? Did you pull out the flashcards, go over grammar, show him diagrams of how to form sounds with his mouth, use neat ditties to encourage that sound out of the mouth? Probably not. More likely he simply imitated youContinue reading “Language Arts the Natural Way: Introduction”
14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: News Story
Easy-to-follow suggestions to prepare a news story.
10 Ways to Become a Better Editor of Your Child’s Writing
What if I don’t feel competent to edit my child’s writing? 10 ways to become a better editor.
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: Character Sketch
Character development is often one of the hardest tasks facing a writer. Here are ways to tackle the challenge!
4 Levels of Creativity in Writing
You don’t have to plan “creative writing” lessons. Just set the stage for writing lessons, plain ones. If creativity comes along, nurture it, but don’t worry if it doesn’t seem to be here today…. Forget about pushing for creativity. Just get the child to practice writing, so he’ll be ready for the day when heContinue reading “4 Levels of Creativity in Writing”
