Marion Said:

For elementary teachers: How important is writing in your classroom?

We Answered:

1. 3rd grade
2. Reading and Writing. They are interconnected. They are the way we will interact with the rest of the world. All elem. students are English Language Learners and need explicit instruction in both reading the writing
3. Yes we write everyday using the Writing Workshop model of instruction.
4. Writing integrates all subject areas. We journal in social studies, science and math. It deepens our thinking of subjects when we write about them.
5. Stronger writers are strong readers. Students become more observant. They have deeper connection to subjects they study.
6. I require that students write to the best of their ability. All students are graded based on progress towards CA state standards.
7. They love writing workshop
8. I motivate them through examples and minilessons
9. both self selected and teacher selected topics throughout school year.

hope this helps.

Edward Said:

What are some good topics for explanatory writing?

We Answered:

How to play a card game (poker, blackjack, go fish)
How to choose a topic for explanatory writing
How to play the tuba

Eleanor Said:

How would you feel if you took a college writing class, and the instructor put certain topics off limits?

We Answered:

That's actually a really good Question. On the one hand, the instructor IS in charge of the class, so simply put, whatever he says, goes. Consider it just another class requirement, like a #2 pencil or a scientific calculator.

This sounds like an example of "less is more". Rather than telling you which topics are off-limits, the instructor ought to simply provide you (the students) with a list of topics to choose from. The instructor can then omit whichever topics he chooses. Whatever his/her reasons for omitting particular topics, the instructor is keeping his/her views or opinions to him/herself.

I think that would be a more "fair" practice. You (the students) shouldn't have anyone's beliefs imposed on you.

Natalie Said:

What Would Be Some Fun Journalism Topics for Middle School Students to write on?

We Answered:

my sisters in that class . but sorry if these sound boring cos shes in highschool ! , teen pregnancy / : , religion ? , child obesity , maybe causes they care about , poverty . singers , drama , and their friends , social qliques . how to eat better . sports . cellphones and social networks , bullying , etc ( :

Christopher Said:

What would be some cool topics for a How-To Speech?

We Answered:

I would keep it simple, and familiar.
How to take care of your cat or dog? (feed, walk,water,)
How to get ready for school..(dressing,brushing teeth, eating breakfast, socks and shoes)
Or how to play the newest video game.....
Thank you and good luck

Allan Said:

Does anyone have any experience teaching freshman composition?

We Answered:

I never took a freshman course in composition or taught one. One of the best college courses I ever had was a speech course and it helped me tremendously in getting through almost every other course I took after that. The specific skills which helped me the most were brainstorming and learning to do an effective outline. The professor also taught some basic logic and how to best present information in a way which would appeal to the interests of a specific group. Getting an opportunity to present my thoughts before a group of students was also valuable in helping me to develop more confidence and poise for the rest of my life.

Good luck to you in your teaching. Sorry that my personal experience did not quite fit the profile you were looking for, but I wanted to share what helped me most so that you could give it some consideration. My speech 101 teacher was one of the few who I made a point to contact after graduating with honors - I was profoundly grateful for having been in that class and will never forget it.

Theresa Said:

I need blogging topics for a student blogger for a NYC University's website. UNIQUE IDEAS?

We Answered:

You could blog about the school, classes, life in New York, good restaurants, good places to spend a Saturday night, good places to study... Or you could try blogging about secret "jewels" of the city -- places to go that are undiscovered but amazing. You could blog about random things found/seen on the subway, events, people you see dressed in weird clothing (and take pictures, of course, blurring out the faces), how annoying tourists can be... You could do a blog about the best classes to take at the university and why, and interview people who've taken the classes... Or do a photography blog and showcase abnormal things you wouldn't normally see... Or a blog just about being a student, comparing the hometowns of the students to the city.

There are countless other ideas, but I hope this helps a little.