MSI Press Blog

  Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly.   #168 Interviewing   Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That’s why it’s a comfort to go hand in hand. ~Emily Kimbrough   A terrific way to motivate kids to write, you know, is to have them choose a topic that interests them. For most children, their parents’ and grandparents’ lives seem vague and intriguing. How about offering to let your child interview you or setting up time for her to interview another family member? There are so many skills involved with interviewing, and a great deal can be learned. Of course, if your child is young, you can help her with many of the steps and even take an abbreviated path. Here are some informational writing skills you could focus on along the way. For instance, if your child is going to interview Grandpa Larry, have her: ●       Brainstorm what...

Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly.   #167 Be Ready for Writing   He who would leap high must take a long run. ~Danish proverb   You’ve already read about the importance of creating a study area for your child in your home (Idea #18). Certainly, that would be the most appropriate place for your child to write a report for school or even maybe a letter to Aunt Jamie, but think of all the fun that he could have writing in other places. Have you ever considered stashing note pads or notebooks in various shapes and sizes in your car for those long rides or unexpected traffic jams? Stuff a bag with colored pencils, lots of paper, cute erasers, and a pocket dictionary and drive away. With a neat variety of tools to use, your child might be compelled to take on a writing challenge on the way to the zoo, such as finding and recording something that starts...

  Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly.   #166 Follow Your Heart   Learn to listen. Opportunity could be knocking at your door very softly. ~Frank Tyger   If your child is struggling with informational writing or the grammar involved in writing, try switching gears and do a little experimenting. You probably know the things your child is most interested in. Try tapping into her love of animals or art, sports or space and involve her in writing activities about these subjects. Children are much more willing participants in projects that interest them. So, if your child has to write a book report, help her to find and choose a book that really captures her interests. If she has a choice of people to write a biography about for school, go to the library together and browse through many books, discussing along the way. She will be so much more exci...