Reason to Write: Student Handbook Dear Reader: This book will help you become a better writer. Each chapter has some important information that will help you build your writing skills. We'll talk about the rules of good writing and the different kinds of writing, such as letters, essays, stories, poems, research papers, and journal writing. By the time you have completed all of the worksheets in this book, you will be a confident writer, able to tackle any school writing assignment. Why is writing so important? Writing helps you in every subject in school, including reading, math, science, social studies, and anything that requires thinking. Writing helps you understand what you read. Writing helps you learn. And writing allows you to play an important role in society, even before you can vote! This book is full of ideas to help you build your writing skills, whether you are an experienced writer or just starting to learn about writing. If you don't like to write, this book will show you how to write better (and then maybe you won't dislike it so much). If you enjoy writing, this book offers dozens of ideas and activities to help you become an even better writer. Ready? Let's get started! Douglas B. Reeves, Ph.D. FREE WRITING TOOLS ONLINE! Visit www.reasontowrite.com for brainstorming and organizational tools, writing tips, evaluation guides, and more. Douglas B. Reeves, Ph.D. is President of the Center for Performance Assessment and the International Center for Educational Accountability. He is the author of more than a dozen books, including the 20-Minute Learning Connection series, which received a prestigious Parent's Choice Award. He works with parents, teachers, and school leaders throughout the world to raise student achievement and improve educational practices. Chapter 1: Why Is Writing So Important? We haven't met yet, but I think I already know some important things about you. You like school, at least most of the time. You've been going to school long enough now to know that some days are better than other days. Some days are exciting, and others are boring. Most kids are nice, but some are mean. Most teachers care about you, but a few seem to be pretty stressed out. In other words, you're a pretty typical kid in a pretty typical school. Now that I know a little about you, let me tell you a few things about me. My name is Doug, and I write books for teachers, parents, and kids. I have four children. Their names are Brooks, Alex, Julia, and James, and they are now in elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. I'm also a teacher, and have taught students in elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. And just like you, I'm also a student, because I'm always learning new things. Even though I'm a grown-up with kids and a job, I still go to school, take classes, and try to learn new things all the time. I am also taking cello lessons. I'm just a beginner, and I'm not very good at it yet, but I know that if I keep practicing, I'll get better. In fact, some of the things I've learned from being a student help me understand what you are going through in school. Sometimes being a student is fun, but sometimes it's frustrating. Sometimes my teacher says, "Good job!" and he really means it, and sometimes he says, "Good job," and I can tell that I still need a lot of work. Even though we haven't met, I think I know a lot about how you feel about school and about writing. We both like to do our very best work. The problem is figuring out how to do that. This book will help you do your very best work in writing. Thinking about your strengths and the things you care about most will help you be a better writer. So right now, please write down some important information about yourself below. My name: In school, my three best subjects are: Things I do very well (try to think of different things than the subjects you listed above): I care very much about these three things: These three things make me mad: Writing for Real People "But writing is easy!" you might say. "Every kid knows how to write!" There is a very important difference between writing words on a piece of paper and writing stories, essays, letters, and poems that make your ideas clear. Think about it this way. What do you need when you want to talk about something you care about or something that makes you mad? You need a listener. It's okay to talk in the bathtub or when you play with stuffed animals, but let's face it: It's much nicer when a real person is listening to you. Real people ask you questions. Real people want to learn more about your ideas. Real people show that they care about what you say. When you talk to a good listener, you want to tell your best stories and share your best ideas. When you imagine a reader for your writing, you will want to write your best so that your reader understands your ideas. Think about who you like to share your ideas and stories with: a parent,