Few people can sit down and start writing. Most of us hem and haw as we mentally walk through how to get from introduction to conclusion. It’s called ‘prewriting’ and students are no different. Where they diverge from you and I is they haven’t tested all the available methods for planning a story, constructing non-fiction, or building the evidence-based argument. It’s up to us–as their teachers–to introduce these alternatives so they can pick one best suited to their learning and communication style.

Disclaimer: These are presented in random order because what works for your students will depend upon the writing method used in your school, whether its the 6+1 Traits, Common Core Writing Standards, or the tried-and-true who-what-when-where-why.

Brainstorm/Mindmap

Brainstorming, also called ‘mindmapping’, is a collaborative visual approach to thinking through and presenting ideas. It enables students to come up with many ideas without worrying about whether it’s realistic. It’s great for collaborative writing, notetaking, or an individual effort.

Here are basics for brainstorming in the classroom:

• There are no wrong answers.
• Get as many ideas as possible.
• Don’t evaluate ideas–just record them.
• Build on the suggestions of others.
• Stress quantity over quality–get as many ideas as possible. Sort them later.

There are many online tools that facilitate this process. If you’re looking for a webtool, try one from this list. (more…)

Have you ever been around someone who knows exactly the right word when they talk? Don’t you conclude they’re smart? Capable? The one you want in your study group? How about the inverse–an individual struggling with language, maybe picks words that aren’t quite right or can’t come up with one at all. What do you conclude then?

Teachers have always taught ‘vocabulary’ using labels like word study, site words, Dolch, Hi-Frequency words. Common Core considers proper terminology part and parcel to preparing for college and career. They fall into three types:

• Tier 1: Words acquired through every day speech, usually learned in early grades
• Tier 2: Academic words that appear in textbooks, precise words that refine meaning, i.e. ‘sprint’ instead of ‘run’.
• Tier 3: Domain specific words tied to content, included in glossaries, highlighted in textbooks, and considered important to understanding content.

The ‘tier’ you focus on in your teaching depends upon student age and material being taught. Here are five ways technology will make the time you spend on this subject more effective, fun, differentiated, and authentic:

• Context clues
• SpellingCity
• Online graphic dictionaries
• Word clouds
  
• Vocabulary websites

Before we begin, let’s lay some groundwork. Vocabulary (or word study) isn’t done in a vacuum. You don’t pass out lists and have students memorize words and definitions (you don’t do that, do you?). If you used to, that’s changed with Common Core. Now, you are expected to integrate vocab into learning. Every time students run into a term they don’t get, you need to pause and help them decode it. It may be obvious from context, its parts (roots and affixes), but always–always—pay attention so students know unfamiliar words are not skipped. With Common Core, every nuance is important. It’s about uncovering knowledge.

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National Handwriting Day is celebrated on January 23rd. It is a day dedicated to encouraging people to embrace the art of writing by hand. This day was established to honor the birthday of John Hancock, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, known for his prominent and stylish signature on the Declaration of Independence. Handwriting is considered a personal and unique form of expression, and National Handwriting Day aims to celebrate and preserve this traditional skill.

Articles on handwriting from Ask a Tech Teacher you might enjoy:

Check these out:

Is Handwriting So Last Generation

Is Handwriting So Last Generation–Redux

How to Create a Handwriting Workbook to Help Improve Penmanship

Handwriting vs. Keyboarding–from a Student’s Perspective

When is Typing Faster Than Handwriting? (more…)

Here are resources to help you teach about letters (click here for updates to list):

1. Alphabetimals–learn the alphabet with animal sounds
2. Find the letter–easy, medium, hard
3. Hands on Learning--20 letter websites
4. Learn Letters with Max (video)
5. Owl and Mouse Learn Letters
6. Starfall Letters

(more…)

Click here for updates to this list: (more…)

A lot of teacher-authors read my WordDreams blog. In this monthly column, I share the most popular post from the past month: 

What Should You Know About Interactive Storytelling?

Here’s what I cover:

• What is it?
• How can writers use it?
• Advantages
• Disadvantages

What is interactive storytelling

Interactive storytelling is a growing trend that allows readers to actively participate in shaping the narrative. With advancements in augmented and virtual reality, stories are no longer confined to the pages of a book. Authors can provide immersive experiences and create narratives that respond to reader choices.

Interactive storytelling allows the audience to actively shape the story rather than passively consume it. Unlike traditional storytelling with a fixed plot, interactive stories let users influence the direction, outcomes, and details through their choices and input. It blends creativity with technology, making each telling unique. 81% of marketers agree interactive content grabs attention more effectively and 66% admit it increases audience engagement. I can attest to this popularity. As a teacher, I occasionally asked students to choose from among several story endings or create their own. A good example is Mission USA, a website that uses interactive storytelling to teach historic events such as the American Revolution, Civil Rights, the Great Depression, and more:

Students click into one of the stories and are asked to make decisions similar to those made during that time period and then experience the consequences of their choices–whether the Loyalists or Tories won, how a family survived (or didn’t) the Great Depression, or something else. Here’s a video to explain it:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb_te-MmM04?si=v9ZG8x8n6TjCGMgk]

Another example many will remember is Oregon Trail where participants were expected to stock their Conestoga wagon to head to the Oregon territories (or California). Along the way, they made decisions such as whether to purchase mules vs. oxen, how to ford a river, how to cure diseases and injuries, and more. Their selections ultimately determined if they survived.

How can writers use interactive storytelling

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I know–many consider online services that write papers for you as a hard no, but let’s talk about that. Anecdotal data indicates 5-15% of students use these services, just don’t tell their teachers or parents. Why do they consider them useful rather than unacceptable? The Ask a Tech Teacher team came up with a list of reasons. Here me out. These aren’t good or bad, just reality. At the end of this article, you’ll feel good about giving both sides of this discussion a voice:

Why a Term Paper Writing Service Is the Best Way to Assist with Your Assignments

Some assignments are manageable—you knock them out in an hour, no stress. But term papers? They’re a whole different thing. They take time, require proper research, and somehow always seem to be due right when everything else is piling up. That’s why students look for ways to make the process easier, and one of the smartest moves is using a term paper writing service. Not to avoid the work, but to actually get through it without losing sleep, missing deadlines, or turning in something rushed and half-baked.

The Real Term Paper Writing Service Benefits

A lot of people assume that using a writing service means skipping the learning process, but that’s not really how it works. The biggest term paper writing service benefits come from having a solid reference—something well-researched, properly formatted, and structured the way a professor actually wants. For example, an economics essay writing service can provide you with a clear and comprehensive paper that not only saves you time but also helps you understand complex concepts. By reviewing a well-written economics essay, you can improve your grasp of the subject and learn the proper way to approach similar topics in the future.

Here’s why that matters:

• Time management – Instead of spending hours trying to figure out where to start, students get a structured example that makes writing faster.
• Better understanding of the topic – A well-written paper can show how to break down complex ideas in a way that makes sense.
• Avoiding last-minute panic – Nobody writes their best work at 3 AM the night before it’s due. Having a professional example saves that stress.

A term paper isn’t just about filling pages—it’s about presenting ideas in a clear, logical way. Seeing how that’s done makes a huge difference in how students approach their own writing.

Getting Assistance with Assignments Through Writing Services

Every student has hit that moment where they stare at a blank screen, unsure where to even begin. That’s where getting assistance with assignments through writing services comes in. It’s not about handing off the work—it’s about having a starting point that actually makes sense. A dissertation writing service from KingEssays can provide that crucial foundation, offering a structured outline and well-researched content to get you started on the right track. With their expert guidance, you’ll have a clear direction to help you complete your dissertation with confidence.

Think about it: would you rather piece together an argument from scratch, hoping it works, or have a structured paper that lays out key points, sources, and ideas in a way that you can build on? Even the best writers don’t start from nothing. They outline, they revise, they look at examples of strong arguments. Having professional help doesn’t replace learning—it improves it.

Why Use Term Paper Writing Service?

Some students assume they should power through everything alone because that’s what “real” students do. But professors have research assistants, authors have editors, even scientists work in teams—so why is it wrong for students to get help?

The real question isn’t why use a term paper writing service? but rather why struggle unnecessarily when you have options? College is supposed to be about learning, not just suffering through deadlines with no support. A term paper writing service helps students:

• Avoid common mistakes – Citation errors, weak arguments, and structural issues are all easier to fix when you have a good example to follow.
• See how professional research is done – Most students aren’t trained researchers. Seeing a properly cited, well-supported paper makes a huge difference.
• Learn faster – Reading well-written academic work teaches students how to structure their own ideas more effectively.

Getting help doesn’t mean not doing the work. It means doing it better.

The Best Way to Get Assignment Help

Not all writing services are the same. Some are overpriced, some deliver rushed work, and some don’t really care whether the writing actually meets academic standards. Finding the best way to get assignment help means knowing what to look for.

Here’s what makes a term paper writing service actually useful:

• Writers with real academic experience – A paper on economics should be written by someone who actually understands economics.
• Custom work, not generic templates – Recycled essays don’t help students learn. A solid service provides fresh, original writing.
• Clear structure and formatting – Knowing how to format a paper correctly is half the battle. A good service provides that framework.

It’s not about just getting an assignment done—it’s about getting it done right.

The Value of Professional Term Paper Writing Assistance

Some students worry that getting professional help means they’re relying too much on outside sources. But that’s what education is—learning from experts. Professional term paper writing assistance isn’t about replacing effort; it’s about making sure that effort is actually productive.

A well-written term paper isn’t just another grade. It’s practice for the kind of research, analysis, and writing that students will use in their careers. Whether someone goes into business, science, law, or even creative work, strong writing matters. Having the right tools to build those skills is what makes a difference.

The Bottom Line

Nobody gets through college without some kind of help. Professors guide students, tutors explain difficult concepts, and study groups share ideas. A term paper writing service is just another form of support—one that makes sure students aren’t just surviving assignments but actually improving their writing, research, and critical thinking skills along the way.

Copyright ©2025 askatechteacher.com – All rights reserved.

Here’s the sign-up link if the image above doesn’t work:

https://forms.aweber.com/form/07/1910174607.htm

“The content presented in this blog are the result of creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”

Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

National Handwriting Day is celebrated on January 23rd each year. It is a day dedicated to promoting the importance of handwriting and encouraging people to embrace the art of writing by hand. This day was established to honor the birthday of John Hancock, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, known for his prominent and stylish signature on the Declaration of Independence. Handwriting is considered a personal and unique form of expression, and National Handwriting Day aims to celebrate and preserve this traditional skill.

Articles on handwriting from Ask a Tech Teacher:

Check these out:

Is Handwriting So Last Generation

Is Handwriting So Last Generation–Redux

How to Create a Handwriting Workbook to Help Improve Penmanship

Handwriting vs. Keyboarding–from a Student’s Perspective

When is Typing Faster Than Handwriting? (more…)

How to use Digital Quick Writes

This video is from a series I taught for school districts. It is now available for free, here on Ask a Tech Teacher:

–summarized by NoteGPT

Summary

In this video, Jacqui Murray discusses the concept of “quick writes” as a dynamic and engaging way to teach writing in the classroom. Quick writes are short, spontaneous writing exercises that allow students to express their thoughts and ideas without the pressure of formal writing tasks. Murray emphasizes the importance of variety and choice in writing activities, which can cater to students’ different preferences and skills. By integrating technology and allowing students to use a range of mediums—such as audio, visual, and written forms—quick writes not only reinforce writing skills but also enhance problem-solving, creative thinking, and communication abilities. The video outlines practical strategies for implementing quick writes in the classroom, provides examples of tools and techniques, and highlights how these exercises can meet Common Core standards. Overall, Murray advocates for a process-oriented approach to writing, focusing on student engagement and skill development rather than the final product.

Highlights

• ✍️ Dynamic Writing Experience: Quick writes offer an engaging alternative to traditional writing assignments, allowing students to express themselves freely.
• 🌍 Integration of Technology: Incorporating various digital tools enhances the writing experience and fosters creativity among students.
• 🎨 Variety of Mediums: Students can choose from multiple formats—writing, drawing, audio—to communicate their ideas effectively.
• 🕒 Short and Focused: Quick writes typically last 10-15 minutes, encouraging concise and thoughtful expression of ideas.
• 📢 Process Over Product: The focus is on the writing process and student effort rather than the final outcome, promoting a growth mindset.
• 📚 Alignment with Common Core: Quick writes can be tailored to meet various educational standards, making them versatile across subjects.
• 🤝 Collaborative Learning: Sharing and discussing quick writes with peers enhances understanding and communication skills.

Key Insights

• 📅 Flexibility in Timing: Quick writes can be integrated into any part of a lesson, making them adaptable to various subjects and topics. This flexibility allows teachers to connect writing with ongoing projects or discussions, reinforcing the relevance of writing in different contexts.
• 💡 Choice Empowers Students: By providing students with options for how they want to express their ideas—be it through writing, drawing, or using multimedia—teachers can cater to diverse learning styles. This choice not only fosters engagement but also encourages students to take ownership of their learning process.
• 🛠️ Technological Proficiency: Incorporating digital tools and platforms into quick writes helps students become more comfortable with technology. This not only prepares them for future academic challenges but also equips them with essential skills for the modern workforce.
• 🎯 Focus on Skill Development: Quick writes emphasize the importance of developing writing skills through practice rather than perfection. By creating a low-stakes environment where effort and process are prioritized, students are more likely to take risks and experiment with their writing.
• 🤔 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Engaging in quick writes requires students to think critically and solve problems quickly, especially when using new technologies or formats. This process aligns with educational standards that emphasize critical thinking as a vital skill for success.
• 📝 Assessment for Learning: Instead of grading the final product, teachers assess students based on their effort and engagement during quick writes. This formative assessment approach allows for ongoing feedback and supports a learning environment focused on growth rather than competition.
• 🎉 Fun and Engagement: Quick writes can be a fun way to break up traditional lessons, making writing enjoyable for students who may otherwise find it daunting. By incorporating games and creative formats, teachers can foster a love for writing that extends beyond the classroom.

Conclusion

Jacqui Murray’s discussion on quick writes highlights the importance of innovative and flexible writing practices in education. By integrating technology, allowing for student choice, and emphasizing the writing process, educators can create a more engaging and effective writing experience. Quick writes serve as a powerful tool to develop not only writing skills but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration—all of which are essential for students in today’s world. Through this approach, teachers can foster a classroom environment that values creativity, encourages exploration, and supports skill development for all learners.

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This post has little to to with technology in the classroom but a lot to do with the launch of my latest prehistoric fiction, Endangered Species, Book 1 of the trilogy, Savage Land. Join the Blog Hop over at my writer’s blog, WordDreams!

Curious? Not sure you want to invest your time yet? Here’s the trailer:

Alright! Here’s what’s going on:

I’ll be visiting writer friend blogs January 6-26, 2025, and then continue with the occasional “I’m Traveling” visits throughout 2025. We’ll chat about Neanderthals, early man, Endangered Species, and writing in general. Here are articles you can read in alphabetic order: (more…)