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.

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:

History and political essay contests:

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

Writing prompts and scaffolded worksheets:

Writing prompts and scaffolded worksheets:

Writing prompts and scaffolded worksheets:

Five paragraph essays, complete with introductory paragraphs and conclusions.

Writing prompts and scaffolded worksheet:

At least five paragraph essays, including an introductory paragraph, three paragraphs in the body, and one concluding paragraph.

Writing prompts and scaffolded worksheet:

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:

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:

2. Narrative Essay: writing a story

Videos:

3. Expository Essay: “expose” the reader to information about a subject

Videos:

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:

3. Research Essay: with citations (references)

Videos:

4. Comparison/Contrast Essay:  similarities and differences

Videos: