Writing can be a fun and engaging activity for students when taught with the right strategies. In the book Writing by Ms. Lig by Mrs. Ruby Hardin Liggins, three main types of writing are discussed: narrative, opinion, and informative writing.
This blog will explore these types and the specific strategies introduced in the book to make writing enjoyable and effective for students.
Narrative Writing: Plot Elements Strategy
Narrative writing involves telling a story. This type of writing includes characters, settings, and plots that engage the reader. In Writing by Ms. Lig, the Plot Elements Strategy is recommended for teaching narrative writing. This strategy helps students structure their stories by focusing on key elements.
Characters and Setting
First, students should develop their characters and settings. Encourage them to think about who the characters are and where the story takes place. For example, a story might feature a brave young girl and her dog in a small village.
Conflict and Resolution
Next, students should introduce a problem or conflict. This is what drives the story forward. In our example, the girl’s dog might get lost in the forest. The story should then move towards a resolution, where the girl finds her dog and brings him home safely.
Engaging the Reader
To make the story engaging, students can use vivid descriptions and interesting events. Encourage them to think about what makes their favorite stories exciting and try to incorporate similar elements.
Opinion Writing: The OREO Strategy
Opinion writing allows students to express their thoughts and beliefs about a topic. The OREO Strategy (Opinion, Reason, Example, Opinion) from Writing by Ms. Lig helps students structure their opinion essays clearly.
State the Opinion
Students start by stating their opinion on the topic. For example, they might write, “I believe that school uniforms should be mandatory.”
Provide Reasons
Next, students give reasons to support their opinions. Encourage them to think about why they feel this way. They might say, “School uniforms help reduce distractions in the classroom.”
Give Examples
Then, students provide examples to back up their reasons. They could write, “For instance, when students wear uniforms, they focus more on their studies rather than on what their classmates are wearing.”
Restate the Opinion
Finally, students restate their opinion, summarizing their main points. “In conclusion, school uniforms should be mandatory because they create a better learning environment.”
Informative Writing: Boxes and Bullets Strategy
Informative writing aims to provide facts and information about a topic. The Boxes and Bullets Strategy from Writing by Ms. Lig helps students organize their ideas effectively.
Main Idea (Box)
Students begin by stating the main idea or topic. For example, “Space debris is a growing problem that needs to be addressed.”
Supporting Details (Bullets)
They then list supporting details or facts that elaborate on the main idea. These details should be organized logically. For instance:
- Bullet 1: Space debris consists of old satellites, rocket parts, and other discarded objects.
- Bullet 2: It poses a threat to current satellites and space missions.
- Bullet 3: Efforts are being made to reduce and manage space debris.
Clear and Concise Writing
Encourage students to write clearly and concisely. They should use simple language to explain their points, making it easy for readers to understand.
Making Writing Fun and Engaging
To make writing more enjoyable for students, incorporate activities that spark their creativity. Here are a few tips:
Writing Prompts
Use interesting writing prompts to get students started. Prompts can be based on their favorite books, movies, or personal experiences. For example, “Write a story about a magical forest where animals can talk.”
Group Activities
Encourage group activities where students can brainstorm ideas and share their writing. This can make the writing process more interactive and less intimidating.
Visual Aids
Use visual aids like pictures and diagrams to help students organize their thoughts. For example, a graphic organizer can help them plan their essays before they start writing.
Writing by Ms. Lig by Mrs. Ruby Hardin Liggins is an excellent resource for educators. It offers practical strategies for teaching narrative, opinion, and informative writing. The book’s step-by-step approach makes it easy for students to understand and apply the strategies.
By using the strategies from Writing by Ms. Lig, educators can make writing fun and engaging for students. The practical tips and structured approaches in the book help students develop their writing skills and enjoy the process. Encourage your students to explore their creativity and express their ideas with confidence.
