An archived stack of papers: 'Writing'

New Homework Policy… Maybe

In a stack of papers called Writing.

  • Jan
  • 10
  • 2006

A student’s homework assignment is reading and it rarely gets done. A student’s homework assignment is writing and it regularly is at least attempted. While talking with my good friend today, I stumbled upon what may be my new homework policy: writing.

I hit on this idea back in November, but I’m considering it for... read more

Authentic Opportunities To Write

In a stack of papers called Connections, Writing.

  • Dec
  • 08
  • 2005

I’ve been thinking about this entry for a while and it’s time I just put the ideas out there, even if they aren’t as polished as I want them to be.

Idea One

At a meeting on Monday, a friend of mine talked about giving his students “an essay in disguise” for Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha, wherein he would write a fake letter from the board banning... read more

Quicker Ways to Grade Writing

In a stack of papers called Writing.

  • Jun
  • 02
  • 2005

During lunch today, I rattled off a few suggestions to a student teacher who is facing having to read 4 batches of essays this weekend to get caught up. And I thought they might be kind of useful suggestions to remember, so here they are.

Here are what I see as some good alternatives to the thorough reading and commenting that so often prevents teachers from evaluating writing (by no means is... read more

On Assigning Writing

In a stack of papers called Writing.

  • Jun
  • 01
  • 2005

Literacy is a school-wide goal that does not fall squarely on the English teacher’s shoulders. Every content area has a mandate to promote literacy. Standardized test scores demand it; colleges demand it; employers demand it; society demands it. A part of reaching that mandate is in assigning plenty of writing and providing adequate, immediate feedback.

However, with the amount of time it... read more