How do I elaborate?

Just add details and stir.

For real. So, where do details come from??? Yes, it's the question that students seem to have the most trouble tackling, and adding. You've read enough of the "and then, and then, and then" to know that they don't completely understand it. Here's how Steve Peha succinctly categorizes those "know 'em when I see em's" so students gets really get the point... elaborated.

1. The 5 W's
2. The five senses
3. Setting
4. Attributes-size, shape, color
5. Feelings

Steve Peha, the owner, writer, and teacher extraordinaire, has this and other easy-to-read, teacher and student friendly strategies in his PDF "The Organizers" with a one-sheeter called "The Writing Strategy Organizer" to help teachers and students do everything from pick a topic, to set the stage, and of course add details. If you can't hyperlink it the address is: http://www.ttms.org/. Click the headline in the green box called "The Organizers".

I would be remiss to not add the reading component to this, so if you have time try "Read Like a Reader; Read Like a Writer" too. Trust me. It's worth the extra click.

All Things Reading and Writing

Hello Fellow WFP Educators:

Welcome back from summer break! I've found a way to easily compile and share all of the great materials and ideas that come my way (thanks teachers, students, and Blogger). Look for the following coming soon:

• Lots of pictures of Best Practices in action, thanks WFP educators
• Ongoing compilation of tried and true (FREE) materials, sites, and links to help you help your students
• Ongoing writing reviews and assessments
• Review of reading status at each campus

I've attached some "flat coffee " and "flat donuts" so you can relax while reading. No calories and caffeine free.