Elementary Writers

When we think about an event that happened, we remember it in a logical order, or sequence. In writing, this is referred to as beginning, middle, and ending of the writing piece.

The beginning gives the audience information to make them understand what the piece is about, and interesting enough to keep their interest.

Details about the topic are given in the middle of the writing piece. Depending on the child's age, the number of details varies. Also important is the fact that the details pertain to the topic and are in a logical sequence (if telling about an event or giving instructions).

The ending closes the writing. Some tell the children to basically repeat the opening sentence, but this lacks creativity needed for effective writing. Depending on age, one sentence may do and later two or three sentences may summarize the writing.

Other things to encourage:

• voice - the choice of interesting words
• stick to the topic of the writing
• plan the writing...think before beginning...some children do well with graphic organizers and some do not
• have children read what they have written to check for meaningful details and errors in mechanics...proofreading
• don't dwell on the mechanics - spelling, punctuation, capitalization....this comes with experience...just place it in a special place and call it "under construction." If parents fix the errors, children will not learn this skill themselves.....editing
• revising - if your child recognizes errors and fixes them on their own, be sure to praise. Revising seems to be a hard task for children to see a need for
• publishing your child's work is as simple as placing it on the refrigerator

ABCTEACH is a good site for parents to find information. I am including a link to a checklist for use when discussing the writing piece with your child. http://www.abcteach.com/Writing/checklist.htm