Embedded Files
Writing Programs
Writing Programs
There are 10 creative project ideas in every level, one for each month of the school year. Also, learn how writing can be a part of life through conversation and activities such as poetry tea times, nature study, and art appreciation. This writing series could be combined with Brave Writer Mechanics and Literature. PDF only.
It offers a full writing curriculum organized into seven units, each one on a different genre of writing using material from the Times as models. See the NYT's The Learning Network for more resources, including NYT writing prompts and NYT picture prompts and NYT prompts by theme. Subscribe for full access.
Find peer guides who lead students through the process of writing, colorful pages, plenty of writing models, help for learning the six traits of writing, and instruction for narrative, informative, and opinion writing. It is easy to customize the sequence of lessons depending on student interest and need.
Find structured routines for building writing skills in 24 week video courses created with homeschooling families in mind. Students learn a variety of writing types and write daily. Reading passages are included. For optional instructor training use Teaching Writing: Structure and Style; 2 hr overview DVD in the Library.
More Writing Resources
More Writing Resources
NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program - A free curriculum to help students write their own novel. It was created to support students participating in National Novel Writing Month which is held every November, but it can be done any time of year!
The Newspaper Clipping Generator - Get kids writing with a free newspaper clipping generator and other fun tools! No sign-up or log-in required!
Thoughtful Learning English Language Arts Books - Write on Course 20-20 is the student handbook for 6th-8th grade. It does not include assignments, but those can be found in the free Write on Course 20-20 Teacher's Guide. Find out more in the Instructions for Using the Teacher's Guides.
Spectrum Writing Workbook Grade 8 - Spectrum Writing is a popular supplemental workbook series. The grade 8 book is 144 pages.
ReadWorks.org - ReadWorks offers a large collection of online articles with open-ended response questions so student can write about what they read. The articles are filterable by grade level reading ability. ReadWorks also provides Article-A-Day text sets students can use as resources for writing personal books of knowledge. Free account registration is required.
Just a Bit: Writing in Small Chunks - Just A Bit offers a free course of 26 video-based lessons. They guide students through the process of creating an informational essay about their favorite season. The lessons are designed to be completed in order. Afterwards students can create a new composition on a different topic by reviewing the videos.
Positive Feedback
Positive Feedback
Praise can be a lot more motivating and effective that red correction marks! Check the CRC Positive Feedback page for 10 suggestions about positive things to look for in your student's writing.
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
Anton Chekhov
Student Writing Examples and Development
Student Writing Examples and Development
See opinion and informational student writing; annotated samples have educator comments! The student reading material is not included.
Find over 20 examples of eighth grade writing, including explanatory (informational), persuasive, and narrative (story) writing.
Learn about student writing development in a chart listing the key skills typically taught and learned between the ages of three and 14+.
See links to the Annotated Anchors to find comments on student writing. The Practice Tests Scoring guides section has links to performance tasks which include student reading.
Questions and Answers About Writing
Questions and Answers About Writing
Writing Goals & Standards
Writing Goals & Standards
The goals below work well across a wide range of ages. For more detailed information view the Grade 8 Writing Standards.
Create Different Writing Types
Create Different Writing Types
Defend an idea
Explain a topic
Tell a story
Conduct Research
Conduct Research
Ask questions and seek answers
Analyze information and give credit to sources
Support ideas with evidence
Follow a Process
Follow a Process
Plan for writing type, audience, and purpose
Prewrite, write, revise, and edit
Use technology when helpful
Gain Experience
Gain Experience
Write often in different subjects for a variety of purposes
“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”
“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”
Louis L’Amour
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