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.   #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...

  Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly.   #165 Commas You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try. ~Beverly Sills   Have you ever read a story written by your child (or anyone) where, within the entire first page, there is not a period or comma to be found? Correct use of punctuation, especially commas, is one element of writing that teachers try to impress upon their students. Improper use of commas can change the whole meaning of a sentence and sometimes of the story. Commas can even save a life! (Well, not really, but look at the following example). Imagine a child writing this: Let’s eat Grandpa. What he really meant to write was Let’s eat, Grandpa. In lower elementary school, children are taught to use a comma when there is a pause in the sentence. The most common uses of commas are below. ●    ...