Writing Enrichment Activities
Writing is one of the most difficult subjects to teach and to learn. Writing requires great effort and constant revision. Children often do not know where to start as they stare at a blank page. They also get discouraged when they are asked to make revisions. That is why it is important to emphasize that writing is a process. If we stress that the natural process of writing requires brainstorming and revision it will not feel so overwhelming. The links below explain the writing process through the use of anchor charts or posters. To reinforce what is taught, it is beneficial to have children recreate their own anchor chart or poster.
Brainstorming graphic organizers
Writing Contests
Children who enjoy writing, love to enter writing contests. Listed below are writing contests that are made available on an annual basis. Periodically check the websites for submission deadlines.
Short story writing contest:
Math essay contest:
Sports essay contest:
Middle school and high school:
- Top Writing Contests for High School Students
- Essay Competitions
- High School Student Essay Contest
- Private Frontier Essay Contest
- Essay Writing Contests for Students
History and political essay contests:
Novel Writing (Fiction)
Many children love to write fictional stories. NaNoWriMo is a great program for anyone, of any age, who wants to write a novel. NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month, which is in November. The program provides authors support, tools, and a writing schedule.
NaNoWriMo has a special program designed for elementary, middle school, and high school writers called, “Young Writers Program.” Printable and online resources such as workbooks, blogs, and videos are available on the website. There is also a summer writing camp. A discounted self-publishing offer is available through NaNoWriMo.
Grade level writing expectations tied to Common Core Standards
First Grade Writing Expectations
Writing prompts and scaffolded worksheets:
Second Grade Writing Expectations
Writing prompts and scaffolded worksheets:
Third Grade Writing Expectations
Fourth Grade Writing Expectations
Five paragraph essays, complete with introductory paragraphs and conclusions.
- Your 4th Grader’s Writing Under Common Core Standards
- Fourth Grade Writing Standards
- What is a Narrative? Key Features
Writing prompts and scaffolded worksheet:
Fifth Grade Writing Expectations
At least five paragraph essays, including an introductory paragraph, three paragraphs in the body, and one concluding paragraph.
- Your 5th Grader’s Writing Under Common Core Standards
- How to Write a Five Paragraph Essay
- The Five-paragraph Essay Made Easy
Writing prompts and scaffolded worksheet:
Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade Writing Expectations
More complicated introductory paragraphs which include:
- a hook: a catchy way to get and keep the reader’s attention
- a thesis statement: a general statement about the main idea of the essay
Introductory paragraph information and videos:
- Why Do We Need Great Essay Hooks?
- How to Write an Introduction Paragraph: Hook Strategies
- Writing an Introductory Paragraph
Body paragraphs include:
- topic sentence: main idea of the paragraph
- reasons, details, or facts to explain the main idea
Body paragraph explanation and videos:
Concluding paragraph
- summary statement: statement that sums up very briefly in one sentence what was stated previously
- clincher: thought provoking statement or question designed to help the reader want to remember what they just read
Concluding paragraph videos:
All students should be able to write three different types of essays:
1. Personal Narrative: a true story about your life
Videos:
- Writing the Personal Narrative
- Writing a Personal Narrative Draft for Kids
- How to Write an Imaginative Narrative for Kids
2. Narrative Essay: writing a story
Videos:
- How to Write an Imaginative Narrative for Kids
- How to Write an Imaginative Narrative for Kids (Episode 2)
- Narrative Essays
3. Expository Essay: “expose” the reader to information about a subject
Videos:
- How to Write Expository Essays
- Learn the Basics of Writing the Expository Essay
- Expository Essay Example, Step by Step
In the higher grades, students will be asked to expand writing with other types of essays with more complicated sentences:
1. Cause and Effect Essay:
Videos:
2. Persuasive Essay: try to change someone’s opinion about a specific topic
Videos:
- Identify Persuasive Texts
- How to Write a Persuasive Essay
- How to Write a Persuasive Essay
- The 6th Grade Persuasive Essay
- Recognizing Persuasive Language
3. Research Essay: with citations (references)
Videos:
4. Comparison/Contrast Essay: similarities and differences
Videos: