In English, we are working on writing the five-paragraph essay.  The 8th grade students will be taking a state writing test in February.  Students take this test in 5th, 8th and 11th grades.  The 8th grade writing type is expository.  In class each day,  I take a part of the essay and teach it to the students.  For example, we have learned the parts of the essay and labeled them on several pre-written essays.  We have also practiced writing body paragraphs and how to write good supporting details.  We have practiced brainstorming and coming up with ideas for different prompts.

We do a great deal of in-class activity.  At this time, we are not using the textbook.  There are many other better resources with which to teach writing.  We also do not have much homework because we use class time for writing.

I will be teaching and the students will be practicing writing the five-paragraph expository essay until after Christmas.  There is a great web-site that I have found that has everything that I teach on the expository essay and also some interactive websites.  You can go to this and get just about anything you ever wanted to know on writing essays.

Many of you have asked about materials to use to help your child practice on these skills.  This is the best website that I have ever seen on the subject. 

Go here to visit this website:

http://its.leesummit.k12.mo.us/writing.htm

When you get to the website, scroll down to the Expository Writing Section.  Any of these links are good practice and review for writing.  Paraphrase Craze is the interactive one.

I also have a PowerPoint program that shows the notes on the writing process. 

Hopefully, this will help you to help your child with writing, and explain why I do not have a specific lesson plan listed daily.