MORE ON THE 5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY...

Just sitting here reflecting on a recent conversation I had with a former colleague, Alex. He has been selected as head of English/Language Arts in his district, 9-12. Since I once held a similar position, 7-12, he was looking for advice, especially on how to incorporate more writing in 9th and 10th grade classrooms. Please share any ideas you have and/or use in your classrooms.

We talked for quite a bit about the 5-paragraph essay, and I asked if he had listened to the podcasts Muriel and I had made. He said that he had listened but didn't quite agree with us. In his experience, students come into 9th grade not knowing how to put together an essay. He feels strongly that they need help with structuring their thoughts and that the 5 paragraph essay meets that need. What do you think? Are you using the 5 paragraph essay format in your classes? Do you go beyond that and what are some of the essay prompts you are using?

I think it's critical that we share our successes as well as what doesn't work so that we don't have to keep reinventing the wheel. If every teacher only teaches the 5 paragraph essay, how are students to grow in their writing? I'd love to hear how your school or district approaches writing and/or how writing is developed from grade to grade.

Meanwhile, carve out a few minutes today to write...maybe try a 5 paragraph essay and let us know any thoughts you have about the process. Have a great weekend!