Making marks on paper - is where it starts. Those marks become letters, which latter become words.
This Squidoo lens is dedicated to homeschoolers, teachers, and those wanting to learn more about writing. Selections and sites in this lens will change frequently, so it's good to return here to occasionally to check out the changes. Later offerings will include curriculum materials and exercises for those wanting to get started with writing.
A little background on me:
I'm the son of two English grammar and composition teachers... so I sort of got the English grammar and composition by the "osmosis method" (and getting the tar whacked out of me if I split an infinitive or dangled a participle at the dinner table! --just kidding, sort of--). Although I eventually got a degree in biology with a minor in chemistry, I found that I enjoyed writing and editing as much as I enjoyed the science classes.
So it wasn't that great of a coincidence that I became an English grammar and composition teacher... briefly.... before I became a basic science and biology teacher. Later, I became a newspaper photographer and writer; which led to a job as a technical editor/writer. I've been working as a professional editor/writer for the past 25 years.
In the meantime, my wife and I have also homeschooled our son and daughter for 12 years apiece. I still occasionally help homeschoolers with ideas and methods for teaching writing and editing--skills that can help the kids the most when they get out in the job world, or help them when they head on for further studies in college.
Read on for further ideas and suggestions!
Contents at a Glance
- You're Going To Write? Things to Assemble Before You Start:
- Assemble Your Tools for Writing!
- Ooops... I forgot. You might not need what's in the previous sticky note!
You're Going To Write? Things to Assemble Before You Start:
1. Pad, Paper, Journal, or Something Else to Write on
2. Pen, Crayon, Marker, Chalk, Charcoal or Something Else that Can Make Marks (more of each in a variety of colors is also good)
3. Dictionary
4. Nice Writing Surface
5. Good Lighting
6. Eraser (Don't Use Unless Absolutely Needed!)
Assemble Your Tools for Writing!
Ooops... I forgot. You might not need what's in the previous sticky note!
Things to have if you want to write:
- A computer
- A word processor (MS-Word, FrameMaker, InDesign)
(notepad works well just for capturing words!) - You *still* need a dictionary (although online ones also work!)
- Access to electricity!
Writing..... with kids... how it happens... how they learn...
In his book "Writing to Learn", William K. Zinsser explained that when you put your thoughts down on paper, it helps you to retain the information better.
If you make writing fun, your kids (and, of course, You), will find writing to be a pleasure rather than drudgery.
You Can Use "Normal Pens" or You Can Use the Fishy or Big or Novelty Pens!
If You Are Going to Teach Writing, It Helps To Understand How Writing Works...
The following reference works can help not only you, but also your kids, with understanding the writing process!
Let the Kids See that Writing (and Reading) is a Normal Part of a Day's Activities
Let the kids write notes and put them on the fridge as well (the notes can go up there with their artwork!).
Write out recipes and then use them for cooking your meals. Let the kids see you do this. Let them cook according to your recipes. Let them write their own recipes!
Shopping list? Let the kids see you write them. Might not have much of a plot or setting, but it does show you writing (and reading later)!
Write letters to relatives--not just during holidays but on other occasions as well. Let the kids write letters to send along. Then, encourage the folks on the "other end" to write letters back to the kids for the kids to have. Writing is communication--exchanging letters illustrates this nicely.
Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper--let the kids watch you do this. Share the published letter with the kids. Eventually the kids will want to write their own letters to the editor. Being published may have an awesome affect to their interest in writing and continuing to learn how to improve.
Use this Squidoo module as a Starting Point for doing some composition and writing on your computer--by creating your own Squidoo. Let your kids see you do this--and encourage them to come up with their own!
Writing Tools
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The Pens Open and Ready to Help with Writing!
You're a Writer? Decorate with or wear that label and be proud!
Writer costume White T-Shirt
This is my Writer costume t-shirts, stickers and gifts are fun for halloween or any other occassion.
Writing and Editing Links for More Information
- If You Write, Be Sure to Edit It!
- This Squidoo lens talks about writing and editing as a profession (and also is sort of a description of one professional editor/writer's services). The Metrics of writing and editing are discussed and resources for further study (style guides and such) are also provided. You can use this Squidoo lens as a starting point for further study of the art and craft of writing and editing.
- Mental Captures!
- This Squidoo lens discusses how ideas and thoughts can be captured through words (writing), photography, and art (drawing, painting, sculpture)--and provides examples of each. Resources for learning more about this process are provided for further study.
- Journals!
- This Squidoo lens provides information and resources for getting a journal (or journals) for keeping your captured thoughts organized and in an accessable place. You can use the various modules as starting points for your own explorations and enjoyment.
- Writing Your Memoirs--Capturing Your Memories
- This Squidoo discusses how one can write an autobiography or a memoir... and how to organize your thoughts and ideas to create a cohesive story that others might enjoy reading. Your life is a portion of history--how you experienced history will be unique. No one else experienced it as you did. If you capture these experiences with your own insights and thoughts and feelings, these may be fascinating to others who might not have thought about your unique view. This is why writing your memoir or autobiography is a valuable service to your and our descendants--it's a record of what went on in your life.
- Fun Pens, Pencils, and Markers!
- If you are going to make a mark, you have to have the tools, right? This Squidoo lens is about the fun you can have with pens, pencils, and markers and other writing and drawing instruments and tools.
- Grammar and Parts of Speech -- Every Language Has 'Em
- Eventually, when you are getting really into the swing of your writing (and editing), you will need to understand a bit about grammar and composition to make your writing more effective. It's really not hard or "complicated"--I mean, even little kids in China learn Chinese grammar naturally as they learn to speak. And little kids in Russia learn Russian grammar as they learn to speak. So, English grammar is more of a description of how English works--and since you already use it (I'm assuming this because you are reading this), you're already more than halfway there!
- Techniques for Writing--Tips for Students
- This Squidoo lens describes various techniques of writing and provides tips for writing that will help professionals and students alike. The tips are based on many years as a professional writer-editor in many different fields--from work at NASA and the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense to high-tech companies such as Cisco Systems, Veritas Software, and Fujitsu Networking Communications.
The Most Important Thing?
Get Your Thoughts Captured On Paper, a Pad, a Journal, in the Computer, or the Wall (Get permission before you try this last idea!)
Pens, Markers, and Other Writing Tools by the Bay... eBay, that is!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byPencils and Other Markers.... also on eBay...
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byYou Want To Start Writing? Well, Write a Note Here and Say "HI!"...
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Evelyn_Saenz
For such a great lens I'm sending you virtual Star Games and Activities. I can hardly wait to read the rest of your lenses. Posted February 17, 2008 |
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BFuniv.com
I think it was Mark Twain that said " The art of writing is the art of putting the seat of your pants in the seat of the chair -- and writing. Posted February 08, 2008 |
