teach my kids how to write with Writing Aids. What am I doing wrong? It is a GREAT resource book but what do I do to help them get their ideas on the paper?

Thank you for your help

Dear Quiverfull,

I don't know what levels you are trying to teach or what exact difficulties you are having, but here is a checklist I made for myself to use each day:

Before the week begins:
• Read the week’s Writing Assignment Charts.
• Read the Teacher Notes in Writing Aids for the genres.
• Look over samples of student writing for the genres on the Writing Aids website.
• Print out any Talking Points, Supplements, or Grading Strategies from the Writing Aids disc.
• Decide on which days the pre-writing, first draft, revised draft, and final draft are due.

Day one:
• Introduce the genre carefully and thoroughly. Use Teacher Notes, Talking Points, and Samples.
• Give the student any graphic organizers they may need.
• Show the student the Grading Strategy and give them their copy for reference.
• Make sure the student is clear on expectations for each day as well as deadlines: when is the pre-writing due? the first draft? the revised draft? the final draft?

Day two:
• Students read and think about the week’s history topics.

Day three:
• Students do pre-writing.
• Check and require students to re-do their pre-writing, if necessary.

Day four:
• Students write first draft and do their self-correcting.
• Check the first draft and mark any changes.

Day five:
• Students revise their first draft and submit their final draft.

I'd combine as many students as possible into the same writing level so that they are all working on the same genre. I'd also focus on pre-writing for a few weeks. Use Tapestry suggestions, but also have them practice pre-writing paragraphs/papers for other subjects. Something I have to remind myself often is that learning to write takes lots of practice (years of practice!).

Blessings,