Learning Games for Kids would be the first to say that learning online is GREAT! Yet, there are some skills that are best practiced offline, the chief of those being writing. While there are many ways to use the internet to impart the knowledge of various writing topics, the best way to really learn writing is to do it. Most of the actual work of writing must be done with paper, pencil, or a word processor. Though the work of writing has to be done to improve skill, here are 5 free mini lessons on basic writing principles.
1) Start with an attention grabber – The attention grabber is the hook or the means by which you get your reader to WANT to read your work. Click through to view a presentation and print an exercise.
2) Paint a word picture – We all know that the best things that we’ve read have enabled us to see or create a mental picture of what we are reading. Doing this in our writing requires creativity and imagination.
3)Develop Typing Skills – if you plan on using the computer to write, this is definitely a must. Good typing skills are what enable the writer to compile his/her thoughts with ease.
4) Use figurative language – is key to being able to create an interesting story line. From similes to metaphors, figurative language is what adds pizzazz to a story line.
5) Ending with a cliffhanger – Using a cliffhanger can make an essay more memorable.
Each of these links offer video resources and printable exercises. For more in depth writing instruction, try using Time4Writing’s LIVE courses. They are hosted online and there is a live teacher that grades and instructs the students toward their writing goals.
