Teaching Middle School ELA Episode 330: The #1 Writing Skill to Focus on in the First Month of School
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Jun 19, 2025 Dive into essential writing skills that set the stage for student success from day one! Discover the importance of crafting claims and supporting them with evidence. Learn how to simplify writing instruction without overwhelming your students. Uncover practical strategies that help students become confident and capable writers, laying a strong foundation for their academic journeys. Plus, check out a free collaborative resource to enhance your teaching!
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Teach Clear Claims Early
- Focus on teaching students how to craft a clear claim in response to a prompt early in the year.
- Use simple prompts that allow students to form an opinion and use the prompt's language in their claim.
Claim Evidence Justification Foundation
- Claim, evidence, and justification are foundational skills for all writing genres except narrative.
- Mastering this trio early simplifies teaching other writing styles and enriches classroom discussions.
Writing Teaches Life Skills
- Writing is more than academics; it teaches clear and confident communication.
- Effective communication through writing is a life skill valuable in any career or walk of life.