Depending on her test schedule and teachers, it could be as often as every day. She’ll have a head start each time if she can rely on a few basic rules.

Here are some hints you can pass along:

• Outline first. This helps writers organize their ideas. It also helps avoid the problem of spending too much time thinking about what to write and too little time actually writing! Suggest that your child try a lead sentence that tells her reader what she is going to write about. Then jot down a few points to support it. List several important details in the middle of the essay. At the end, write a summary statement. This should tell the reader what the writer’s conclusion is.

• Fill in the details and supporting facts once the outline is complete.

• Check grammar, spelling, and punctuation. These elements are very important. So is handwriting that is easy for the teacher to read.

Copyright © Parent Institute