Describes how to conduct timed writing exercises which extend into proofreading, correcting, and paragraphing exercises. (RH)

Presents seven writing lessons for elementary students: choosing effective words; writing similes; writing paragraphs; writing descriptions; letter writing; comparing and contrasting; and understanding point of view. Some of the lessons have unusual themes, such as pizza, pickles, and hoboes. (SJL)

Because children are experts in at least one subject--themselves--their best written work is usually autobiographical. This article suggests various specific autobiographical writing assignments teachers might want to use with their students. (JMK)

Suggests supplementary spelling activities involving selection of a phonetic element and construction of student-generated word lists. Designed for fifth graders, the activities can be adapted to any grade level. (CM)

Children become frustrated in learning cursive writing, says the author, who offers some helpful suggestions. (Editor/RK)

A collection of plays, stories, and rhymes are offered in this article to help celebrate Halloween. (DF)

This writing unit with a Halloween theme includes exercises and worksheets to develop prewriting, writing, and rewriting skills. (SJL)

Describes some of the poems and methods from a Writers in the School program as part of a primary education poetry program that intends to stimulate students to read and write poetry. (Author/RK)

An elementary teacher presents suggestions for helping students focus their thinking, find a central theme, and develop story ideas for writing. She describes how to demonstrate focus in writing (via teacher's writing, professional authors, and student's writing) and how to develop focus when conferencing. (SM)

Creative writing helps children to develop the ability to think imaginatively and to express their ideas and feelings effectively and constructively. Properly motivated, it is an enjoyable acitivity that should be carried out more than once a year. (Author)

This article presents 15 activities designed to motivate students to engage in creative writing. Also given are ideas on how to reinforce and maintain student interest in writing. (IAH)

Discusses handwriting drills, student reluctance to rewrite or recopy, and practical writing activities. (GB)

Teachers can help elementary students cope at the beginning of the school year by assisting them in getting to know one another. Writing is a good tool for bridging the gap between personal and school lives. The article suggests writing activities and explains how to create a good writing environment. (SM)

This science column includes background information, discussion questions, science activities, writing activities, and a bibliography on a different topic each month. The titles of the five installments included in this compilation are: (1) "Chameleons and Other Quick-Change Artists"; (2) "Niagara Falls and Other Super…