WRITING HOMEWORK INSTRUCTIONS

Writing, like any other desired skill requires practice to become profent. Students who
write often, and write in a predictable schedule will vastly improve their writing skills. Best
practice comes in predictable cycles. In the beginning students may struggle with the
schedule but with practice repetition, and support, students will become more comfortable
with the routine. Students who routinely write will form great writing habits that will last a
lifetime.
Here is a typical week for a writing assignment. At frst these steps will take time, but with
practice each step will become much more natural and easier.
Friday during class
Students receive assignment and instructions.
Discussion and examples may be included in instructions
Sometimes the student will start drafts in class
Saturday and Sunday at home
Drafting: Brainstorm topics and ideas. Get all ideas down on paper. Write the frst draft.
Monday at home
Revise: Work on organization, voice, word choice, sentence fuency. Read essay aloud.
Reading the essay aloud is a wonderful trick that easily reveals problems in the writing.
Wednesday at home
Edit: Spelling, punctuation, grammar.
Thursday
Write Final draft and practice reading the essay aloud. Students should type their essay
but can hand write it neatly.
Friday during class
Essays are due. Most essays will be read aloud to the class Friday.
Writing Assignment #1
Topic: Theres A Story In My Name
Writing Genre: Narrative
The topic for this writing assignment is your own name. Before you begin writing your story
have a conversation with your parents. As you discuss take a few notes. Discuss how and
why your name was given to you. Find out all the details and background information
behind your name. Include all the important and interesting facts. As you gather your
information remember that some names are family names, some have culture relevance,
and some have a special meaning. There many other reasons and stories behind a given
name, share your story.
Type or handwrite the story neatly.
Writing Assignment #2
Topic: You Probably Didnt Know This About Me
Writing Genre: Narrative and Informative
This narrative (story) is about you. Your audience is your classmates and I. The goal of
this writing is share something about you so that we (the class and I) can get to know you
better. I think there are a few of ways to approach this writing. One way is to share a
unique, memorable experience you had and most likely no one has ever heard this story
from you. Another approach is to treat this assignment more of an informational piece. In
this case you would think of 3 or 4 important or unique things about you. Each thing
would then be described in a paragraph or so. Paragraph examples could include your
family, sport you play, favorite activities. Dont forget an introduction and concluding
paragraph.
You are free to write about this topic in any way youd like.
Writing Assignment #3
Topic: My Most Rewarding Moment
Writing Genre: Narrative
Your audience for this writing is the class and I. The purpose is to entertain and inform.
Think of a moment in your life that you remember vividly, it should be a moment that you
remember as being very rewarding. Share your moment with as much detail as possible.
Include details of what people said, your emotions, and how you felt.
Writing Assignment #4
Topic: Fiction Book Review
Writing Genre: Narrative / Opinion
See Homework Projects for complete directions. The purpose of this writing is to
persuade (convince) your class to read a specifc book.
Writing Assignment #5
Topic: My Academic Self-Assessment
Writing Genre: Narrative / Informative
You will not share this writing with the class. It will be private. The goal of this writing is for
you to think about yourself as a learner and develop a learning focus for 5
th
grade. This
writing will also inform me of how I can better help you. Before writing, think about what
subjects you are good at, which ones are are hard or confusing, and what subject you hope
to improve on. The three areas Im most interested in hearing about are your reading,
writing, and math, but science and social studies can be considered as well. You should
also share something about your social / peer interactions. That is, are you quiet in class,
do you like to talk, do you sometimes have conficts with your peers?
Treat this writing as informational writing. Each topic will be a paragraph with detail
informing me about you and your academics. Here are a few topics to consider when
writing. Also, remember to include introduction and concluding paragraphs.
Academic strength(s)
Area (s) of struggle or challenge
Goal(s) you have for the year
Peer interactions / relations
Writing Assignment #6
Topic: The Glowing Shoes
Writing Genre: Narrative / Fantasy
Here is an opportunity to get creative. Here is the prompt: One morning you wake up and
fnd a strange pair of shoes next to your bed. The shoes are glowing. In several
paragraphs, write a story telling what happens.
Writing Assignment #7
Topic: Historical Fiction Book Review
Writing Genre: Narrative / Opinion
See Homework Projects for complete directions. The purpose of this writing is to
persuade (convince) your class to read a specifc book.
Writing Assignment # 8
Topic: My Most Valuable Possession, And It Didnt Come From A Store
Writing Genre: Narrative / Opinion
Whats your most valuable possession? And What are the reasons for it being so
valuable? You cannot use an item that was bought at a store.
Writing Assignment #9
Topic: Personal Narrative
Writing Genre: Personal Narrative
A personal narrative story is typically a small moment in the authors life that was
memorable. Sometimes these moments teach us something about life. Writers fnd these
moments (to write about) in several ways. Moments of strong emotion (sad, angry, upset,
scared) create great stories. Writers also generate stories by thinking about moments in
special places or moments with special.
Think of a memorable moment in your life and share it in a short story. Include dialogue,
inner dialogue and tons of detail.
Writing Assignment #10
Topic: Magnify Math Project
Writing Genre: Informational Feature Article
See Homework Projects for complete directions. The purpose of this writing is to inform
and entertain your reader.
Writing Assignment #11
Topic: Should Teachers Allow Toys In School
Writing Genre: Opinion
There is always good debate over this topic. Teachers and principals typically say no to
toys at school and they have their good reasons. Students, on the other hand, typically say
yes to toys at school. There also are good reasons that support having toys at school.
Pick a position and write an essay to support your position. The frst paragraph will
introduce the topic and your position. Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 will provide reasons and
examples to support your position. The ffth paragraph will restate your position and
summarize your reasons.
Writing Assignment #12
Topic: Should 5
th
Graders Have Recess?
Writing Genre: Opinion
This is a hot topic! In fact some school districts have severally reduced or even eliminated
recess. This makes a great opinion paper because there are many strong reasons for and
against recess.
Pick a position and write an essay to support your position. The frst paragraph will
introduce the topic and your position. Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 will provide reasons and
examples to support your position. The ffth paragraph will restate your position and
summarize your reasons.
Writing Assignment #13
Topic: Science Fair
Writing Genre: Research Report
See Homework Projects for complete details.
You will select a topic that interests you and then create a question to be researched. You
will conduct research, draw conclusions, and present your information at science fair.
Writing Assignment #14
Topic: The Best Season Of The Year
Writing Genre: Opinion
There are four seasons in Michigan. Winter, spring, summer, and fall. Each season has its
own challenges and rewards. Select your favorite season and explain why its your favorite.
Include introduction and concluding paragraphs and at least 3 reasons (one paragraph for
each) and at least two examples that support each reason.
Writing Assignment #15
Topic: The Best Pet
Writing Genre: Opinion

There are many reasons why people own pets. A pet can entertain you, keep you
company, or even protect you! Dogs and cats are the most popular pets in America today.
Some people prefer an energetic dog and others, a cuddly kitten. Which pet do you think is
best, a cat or a dog? Select your choice and create an essay that explains your opinion
and gives evidence that your pet is the best. Here are some ideas to help support your
opinion..
Grooming: Cats bathe themselves. Most do not even need brushing. Dogs are more likely to need help from their
owners in keeping clean.
Companionship: Cats enjoy being alone. You can leave them home alone for the day while you go to school. Dogs,
however, need company. A dog needs much more of your time.
Exercise: Cats and dogs both need daily exercise. However, a cat needs much less exercise than a dog. Most dogs
need to be taken for walk at least twice a day, even in the rain. Your cat will probably be happy to chase a ball in your
living room.
Noise: Dogs can bark at all hours of the day or night. Cats sleep most of the day and are much quieter. They are unlikely
to disturb your neighbors.
Training: Dogs need training to live with people. They need to be taught not to jump on people, how to sit and stay, and
many other things. You may even need to teach your dog to lie down so you can have some quiet time. Cats can be
trained to fetch a ball or walk on a leash, but these lessons are just for fun. You don't need to train your cat to have a good
pet.
Writing Assignment #16
Topic: Biography Book Report
Writing Genre: Narrative / Opinion
See Homework Projects for complete directions. The purpose of this writing is to
entertain and inform persuade.
Writing Assignment #17
Topic: Family Artifact
Writing Genre: Feature Article
See Homework Projects for complete directions. The purpose of this writing is to inform
and entertain.
Writing Assignment #18
Topic: A Traditional Family Food
Writing Genre: Feature Article
See Homework Projects for complete directions. The purpose of this writing is to inform
and entertain.
Writing Assignment #18
What is Halloween?
Writing Genre: Research / Informational
Research and reports are informational writing that informs the reader. Informational texts
are often organized so the reader can easily and quickly fnd information. For example, the
text might include section headings, sub-section headings, bolded terms, glossaries,
photos, illustrations, charts and/or graphs. Research the topic and produce an
informational story. Use the text structure necessary for informational writing.
Writing Assignment #19
Topic: What is Summer Solstice?
Writing Genre: Research / Informational
Research and reports are informational writing that informs the reader. Informational texts
are often organized so the reader can easily and quickly fnd information. For example, the
text might include section headings, sub-section headings, bolded terms, glossaries,
photos, illustrations, charts and/or graphs. Research the topic and produce an
informational story. Use the text structure necessary for informational writing.
Writing Assignment #20
Topic: I Search Research
Writing Genre: Research / Informational
See Homework Projects for complete directions. The purpose of this writing is to inform.