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Choosing a Topic to Teach Writing

Author: StephenBeck Total views: 7 Word Count: 306

A few months ago I shared a writing tip you could use in your classroom or homeschool. Since that time I was once again reminded how important it is to let our children have some ownership over their writing topics. Let me share my story....

Last week, my son's lesson was writing a biographical sketch in five paragraphs. We had recently been studying the Roman Empire, and I hoped that he would write on one of the church's founding fathers - not only would this reinforce those lessons, but he would also have the chance to delve more deeply into books which we hadn't had time to read earlier. Despite my excitement, I could see he was less than eager.

I could tell his disinterest as we talked about his topic. So, we started talking baseball. He had just finished reading a biography of Derek Jeter, so I suggested doing his paper on Jeter. He didn't complain and even told me of two other sources he could use. He had to use a minimum of 3 sources and only one could be internet.

That settled it - Derek Jeter it would be.

This week he found interesting and important information about Jeter. Today we narrowed his paper to three topics about Derek Jeter. Next week, he will outline his paper and begin writing.

Believe me, I have a much happier son because he is writing about someone he likes, not someone Mom told him to research. I know his paper will be much better, just because he has an interest in his topic.

By letting your kids choose their own topics, they take ownership of their project. Give it a try - it makes a huge difference! Your children will learn more and be happier about it; you'll be thrilled with the results.

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About the Author

Kerry Beck encourages classroom teachers and homeschoolers with a lesson on writing a biographical sketch. Kerry has a free mini-course to show you how to teach writing at Teaching Writing.

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