How to Teach Multi-genre Writing in Sixth Grade

Developing a strong writing curriculum for sixth graders is an important part of their learning. Students must feel comfortable writing in different genres and styles. Here's what to focus on in a sixth grade multi-genre writing program.

Instructions

1. Make sure that the cornerstone of your program is essay writing. Essays must include formal introductions, supporting evidence and conclusions. The goal is to have them write a five paragraph essay, based on current events or another curricular tie-in. Include editing skills in the process.

2. Develop creative writing skills by having your students write short stories and poems. Combine these projects with larger short story and poetry units. Haiku poetry from Japan is a great style to teach sixth graders. Stories needs to have a clear beginning, middle and end. Show them how to write rough drafts and how to peer edit papers.

3. Show students how to write a formal letter. Include the salutation, date, address, body and signature. Make sure to tie this kind of writing into what you are already studying in class.

4. Teach students how to take notes from a text book. Combine this with a science or history text. Show them how to find the main ideas, supporting details and vocabulary in a chapter or unit.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also include play writing, book report writing and biography writing if you have time and interest.