Writing
Recent Newsletter Articles
Resources for Improving Student Writing
Having strategies and tools for improving student writing can take some of the fear and frustration away from the writing process. This article gives some easy and practical tips for helping your students become better writers. Read More
Getting Started, Moving Forward, Part 2: More About Teaching the CCRS Writing Standards
This is Part 2 on teaching the Writing Standards in a way that cultivates both students’ reading and writing capacities, including examples of reading-writing tasks for cross-implementation of the Writing Standards at Levels C-E, or GE 4-12. Read More
Getting Started, Moving Forward: An Explicit Plan for Teaching the Writing Standards
An explicit instructional plan for teaching the Writing Standards in a way that cultivates both students’ reading and writing capacities, plus examples of reading-writing tasks for cross-implementation of the Writing Standards at Levels A-C. Read More
ESL Classroom Activity Videos
ESL teachers and volunteers interested in watching professional teachers leading popular ESL classroom activities can now complete observations from the comfort of their own homes. Read More
English Grammar 101
English Grammar 101 is a free online resource to supplement your current grammar instruction for advanced ESL or ABE learners. Read More
A Trio of Academic Vocabulary Resources
Strong academic vocabulary knowledge is essential for ABE/ESL students who want to complete their GED or adult diploma, attend technical school or college, or advance in a career. Learn about 3 resources to improve knowledge, sentence writing, and usage. Read More
Who Wants to Know What CCRS Writing Looks Like?
I’m often asked about what writing aligned to the CCRS looks like, and two resources are available to us that demonstrate samples of the three types of writing required by the CCRS ELA/Literacy standards: argument/opinion, informative/explanatory and narrative. Read More
Just Write! Frequently and Quickly
The "Just Write! Guide" is a research and instructional resource worth writing about! One strategy, called quickwrites, can be done before, during and after reading and can be motivational and low-stress for even nonwriters. Read More
Grammar Bytes! (In a Good Way.)
Here is a website that really puts some teeth into grammar, usage and mechanics instruction! The materials can be used in a structured class or open lab setting, for one-on-one sessions with learners, for work with volunteers, and as independent work to supplement class lessons. Read More
Plan First, Write Second
One of my goals is to show my students how spending time in the planning stage pays off in a better finished product. The technique discussed here is a method of getting students to think about all of the ways that a topic could be discussed or explored. Read More