Many tasks in our daily lives require the ability to communicate clearly using the written word. In state and national tests, students are required to respond to Everyday Text reading passages by writing a memo, letter, plan, explaining steps that need to be taken in order to achieve a special project. Many states include requirements for everyday writing in their standards. Everyday Writing presents students with the opportunity to develop skills in writing for practical purposes.

The book is divided into four parts: Section I: Personal and Social Writing; Section II: Business Writing; Section III: School Writing; and Section IV: Writer’s Appendix. Challenging activities follow the clearly written models that are provided in each section. Everyday Writing is an excellent supplementary resource book. Its ready-to-use pages with self-directed activities to develop higher-level skills are also a component of this book. By successfully completing the written activities, students will enhance their writing abilities and develop the critical-and creative-thinking skills of:
       • originality,
       • analyzing,
       • synthesizing,
       • problem solving,
       • decision making,
       • planning, and
       • summarizing.

Follow-up activities should include real-life applications such as:
       • writing thank-you letters for special help or favors,
       • writing letters to companies requesting information,
       • outlining information for home or school use,
       • writing memos to classmates or friends,
       • creating a class or school newspaper,
       • writing a letter of application for a summer job, and
       • creating a puppet show with an original script for younger students.

As a teaching option, schedule special class time so that students can share and compare their completed written activities.

Download the Table of Contents page here.

Grades 4–8.