Students in the eighth grade will take a state writing test in February.  They will be doing Expository Writing for this test.  We work extremely hard during the year to prepare for this test.  Each week, students have a weekly writing prompt to practice with.  We will be teaching parts of the essay throughout the first half of the school year.

Many parent express interest in how they can help their children with these writing skills.   The following website is one of the best I have ever seen on writing.  Go to any of these activities for info. and practice. 

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.  See the Powerpoint tab on this website for this powerpoint, and powerpoints used weekly.  Following is a tentative pacing guide for the first 6 weeks. 

Week 1

Creative writing and Elements of a short story

Week 2

Using nouns, vivid verbs and adjectives to enhance writing and plot elements

Week 3

Writing Paragraphs (main idea and supporting details) and Genres of Literature

Week 4

Comma rules and poetry

Week 5

Fragments and Run-On sentences/Poetry continued

Week 6

Parts of the Essay/Poetry continued