Frequently Asked Questions
Writing
These writing classes are designed to guide parents and students through the Alaska State Standards. In a traditional classroom, students and teachers meet five times a week to work on writing assignments, with consistent guidance and review. Writing is a process that requires regular practice and adult supervision to build a strong foundation.
Since our classes only meet twice a week, parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s progress at home. I often receive questions about how to help students work successfully outside of class. While students are encouraged to work independently, parents should check in with them daily on their writing.
Below, I’ve included some ways to support your child’s writing at home. I will also send home daily emails summarizing what we covered in class and outlining the homework.
At-Home Support Expectations for Writing Success
1. Daily Writing Check-Ins
Purpose: Foster accountability while promoting independent learning.
Action: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day to review your child's in-class writing assignments and discuss their future steps. Reviewing class material is essential for building comprehension and skills.
Tip: Encourage your child to think critically about their writing process by asking open-ended questions such as, "Which section did you focus on today?" or "What are your plans for tomorrow's writing session?"
2. Weekly Writing Review: Keeping Work on Track
Purpose: Prevent last-minute struggles and stay on top of writing assignments.
Action: Once a week, review your child's completed assignments and any upcoming deadlines.
Tip: Encourage your child to explain their work in their own words. This helps them understand and take ownership of their writing. Additionally, ask them how the assignment relates to the skills they learned in class that week. By doing this, you can help your child make connections between their assignments and their classroom learning.
3. Encourage, Don’t Correct, Independent Work
Purpose: Builds resilience, confidence, and a sense of ownership over the child’s writing.
Action: Resist the urge to rewrite or heavily edit their work. Instead, encourage them to try things on their own, even if it’s not perfect.
Tip: Focus on positive feedback. Say, “I love the way you described this part—can you think of a way to add even more detail here?” This guides them without taking over. If students are resistant to making the changes, I will also be going through papers and making corrections and suggestions.
Guidelines to Support and Encourage Independent Work
Independent work is a valuable skill for both parents and students to work toward, though each student’s needs for support and guidance may vary. It’s essential to begin and end each session by reviewing the objectives and discussing what was covered in class.
Set Up a Dedicated Workspace
Purpose: Minimizes distractions and creates a routine around schoolwork.
Action: Choose a quiet spot with all necessary supplies (pencils, paper, etc.) to avoid interruptions.
Tip: Encourage your child to “set up” their own space daily—it gives them a sense of ownership.
Establish a Regular Work Routine
Purpose: Builds consistency and helps your child develop time management skills.
Action: Set aside a specific time each day for independent work.
Tip: Allow your child to take short breaks, but remind them to return to work to help maintain focus.
Encourage Self-Starting with Clear Goals
Purpose: Supports motivation and helps them understand each task’s purpose.
Action: Review the goals for their assignment with them, but let them decide the steps to start.
Tip: Instead of telling them exactly what to do, ask, “What do you think is the first step?” This builds confidence in their decision-making.
Check In Briefly, Don’t Take Over
Purpose: Provides guidance while allowing them to work independently.
Action: Check in once or twice to see how they’re progressing and if they have questions.
Tip: Avoid doing the work for them. If they’re struggling, say, “What part can I help explain?” rather than stepping in directly.
Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results
Purpose: Reinforces that hard work and persistence are valuable.
Action: Praise their focus, effort, and improvement.
Tip: Say things like, “I saw you really stuck with that even when it was tricky—great job!” to encourage a growth mindset.
Encourage Problem Solving Before Asking for Help
Purpose: Teaches resilience and self-reliance.
Action: When they get stuck, ask questions to prompt their thinking: “What do you think you could try next?”
Tip: Encourage them to re-read instructions or try another approach before turning to you.
End with a Daily Reflection
Purpose: Helps them recognize their progress and areas to improve.
Action: Ask questions like, “What part went well today?” or “What would you try differently tomorrow?”
Tip: This daily reflection builds their self-awareness and sense of accomplishment.
These steps help your child develop both independence and confidence while reinforcing that you’re there for support, but they are capable of tackling their work.
Suggestions for Starting the Writing Process?
Why should students draft on paper?
Starting drafts on paper and double-spacing allows room for edits and corrections. Research shows that handwriting improves memory and recall. For example, adults who take notes by hand instead of on a computer tend to remember more of what they learned. Learn more about the benefits of writing by hand here.
Why is writing with a pen recommended?
Writing with a pen has unique benefits:
Consistency: Unlike pencils, which change as the lead wears down, pens maintain a steady feel, reducing hand fatigue.
No erasing: Using a pen encourages students to cross out mistakes rather than erase them. This simple act prevents disruption to the creative flow, as studies suggest flipping a pencil to erase can interrupt the brain's creative processes.
What about spelling during drafting?
Drafting and spelling use different parts of the brain. When students focus too much on spelling, it can break their creative momentum. During drafting, it’s okay to skip worrying about correct spelling. Parents can assist with spelling, and students can use tools like Alexa or Siri to look up words if needed.