“I don’t know what to write.  Why do I have to do this anyway?”  “I’m no good at writing.  It’s no fun.”  “Mom, I think I have writer’s block.”  For those in the educational field in Cherokee county and beyond and parents of frustrated students, these words may be all too familiar when it comes to completing writing assignments. 

Unless a student is a naturally gifted writer, writing an essay or report can be downright frightening.  Sitting with pen in hand, staring at a blank white page can intimidate even the most confident of students.  But, like every other subject, writing is a skill that can be learned.  The key is learning the right way to write, and then practicing, as you would when you play an instrument or sport.

Cumming resident, Peggy Hoover, a long-time English teacher with a Masters Degree in reading and more than 30 years of educational experience, says that there are basic, tangible steps to writing a good paragraph, and once those are mastered, a student can move easily to multi-paragraph pieces. 

“Contrary to what many think, most types of essays aren’t a subjective free-for-all for those with a creative flair,” says Hoover.  “In fact, there are very specific steps to follow when crafting any type of piece, including persuasive essays, expository essays and other types of essays that students must learn and master.”
 
As a writing consultant for Julie Wilson, founder of local business Qwizzy’s World, Hoover has been instrumental in the development of the newest QW feature – Just Keep Writing.  Just Keep Writing provides students of all grades and skill levels a non-threatening way to learn how to write.  “To formulate a tool that could actually teach somehow how to write, following a step-by-step process, required quite a bit of research,” explains Hoover. 

“I researched requirements for each performance level for Georgia’s CRCTs, as well as those for tests in other states, and then read several student papers at various grade levels.”  In addition, Hoover requested input from select teachers to gain an educators’ perspective.

Knowing the importance placed on CRCTs in Georgia, Hoover was careful to use the same language as the standardized tests so that students using Just Keep Writing would be very familiar with what a test was asking them to do, even before they saw the prompt.  “This allows students to be more relaxed and focused on their classroom writing, as well as on standardized tests, because they know exactly what is expected, and they have practiced,” continues Hoover.

Wilson and Hoover are introducing Just Keep Writing in phases.  Phase I launched in early 2010 and introduces students to the paragraph in a methodical way:

1.      Basic steps involved in writing a good paragraph

2.      Six common types of paragraphs with an introduction about how to write each type, with sample paragraphs for each

3.      Variety of graphic organizers

4.      Editing/revision section

Phase II takes the student to the next level, which is multi-paragraph writing.  This Phase is scheduled to launch in the Fall of 2010, with Phase III to follow shortly thereafter.

“The goal of Just Keep Writing is to demystify the writing process, build confidence and give students a place to go when seeking guidance,” says Hoover.  After students read and work within Just Keep Writing, they will be able to craft their own work within the site as well.  

In fact, a “Write My Own” section will be available in June 2010.  Students will be able to select a graphic organizer, fill it in, write their paragraph(s), edit their work, and create a clean final copy to turn in at school.  A library will also be available where they can store their work.

A cast of memorable characters like Topic Tomas, Vivid Verbs Vivian, Transition Tony, and Support Me Sam, guides students along as they work in Just Keep Writing.  Wilson emphasized that these characters were integral in the development of this section of QW.  “Our goal is to have them be a fun reminder for students as they craft their papers during assignments or testing; an angel on your shoulder, per se,” says Wilson. 

Hoover concurs.  “And another thing I like about Just Keep Writing is that students can learn and work at their own pace, in the privacy of their own homes, where they don’t feel as pressured.  And given that QW is available online, they can use it anywhere, anytime as a reference tool,” says Hoover. 

Just Keep Writing/QW and sister site, Cram Stoppers, the high school/college site set to release in August 2010, will be sponsoring an end of the school year essay writing contest in 2011, with a scholarship and prizes awarded.  

For more information on Qwizzy’s World, Just Keep Writing or other features within the QW web site, please visit www.qwizzysworld.com or contact Julie Wilson at julie@qwizzysworld.com.

Tags: CRCT, educational tools, online learning, schools, teaching tools, testing, writing