Winter Writing, a Freebie and a Sale!

                                      
We all know that when we teach "Reading", we are not only teaching reading, but also decoding words, meaning or comprehension, speaking, listening, writing,...and writing includes expression as well as mechanics.  Sometimes students are reluctant to write because they do not have many experiences or a lack of connections.  Brainstorming is a great solution to help reluctant writers.  Modeling is also very important.  It helps students see that they actually can write a great story.  I have also found that a lot of children lack creativity.  Children should be the most creative of all of us!  I'm not sure why creativity is hard for children (although I have some ideas.... ahem.computer/video games which "create" for them) but none the less, we need to help them learn how to put their thoughts onto paper.   We write all day, in every subject and I have found that if students have some transition words to choose from, it helps them get their thoughts together in an understandable order.  I've attached a free transition word list for you HERE!  It looks like this:

 

This page is part of my Writing Toolbox.  The pages are tabbed so students can find what they need quickly.  The book has transition words, nouns, verbs, adjectives, word banks, transition words and a check list for them to use to be sure their story is complete.  The entire unit looks like this:

 

If you want the entire toolbox, click HERE to go to my Teachers Pay Teachers store. 

 

Now, sometimes I do a simple writing activity where I ask students to list things on a given topic.  I've attached a writing activity here that asks students to list their top 10 favorite things about winter.  This is where brainstorming with the entire class can help those who may not have connections to draw from.  Make a big list of things we like about winter and then have students complete their writing.  Have students draw a picture after their list is finished.  This is a great activity to get your students thinking and it is a quick bulletin board idea.   Click HERE TO GET THE FREEBIE!

It looks like this:

 

 

Let me know what you think!

 

Now for the great stuff.....TPT is having a sale and so am I!!!!  My cart is loaded and read to go tomorrow.  The sale is Wednesday, January 20 and Thursday, January 21.  Don't forget to add the code START16 at checkout to get your discount of up to 28%!!!! 

 

Click HERE TO GET STARTED!!!!!

 

 

Happy Winter and Keep Writing!!!!

Sharon