This guide aims to support students and teachers in developing strong writing skills across different grades, ensuring consistency, clarity, and professionalism in all writing projects. Guidelines for writing projects to ensure students develop clear, consistent, and professional writing skills. It supports both individual and collaborative projects.

Teacher-Approved Internet Research Sites

• POWER LIBRARY

• BLS Career Exploration

• Career One Stop

Understanding Primary and Secondary Sources

• Primary Sources: Firsthand information or direct evidence about a topic (e.g., diaries, interviews, original research).
• Secondary Sources: Analysis or interpretation of primary sources (e.g., textbooks, biographies, documentaries).
• Citation and MLA Introduction
• 5th Grade: Introduce MLA with one source
• 6th Grade: Revisit MLA with one class source and one individual source
• 7th Grade: Cite three sources
• 8th Grade: Cite three to five sources

             Works Cited Page

• Use Easybib, Citation Machine, or create citations by hand.

Prewriting and Outlining

Brainstorming

• Generate ideas through discussions, mind maps, or free writing.

Creating Outlines

• Grades 5-6: Handwritten outlines.

• Grades 7-8: Use Google Classroom for outlining.

Note Taking Methods

• Grades 5-6: Handwritten notes.

• Grades 7-8: Digital notes in Google Classroom.

Paraphrasing and Avoiding Plagiarism

• Practice paraphrasing to put information in your own words.

• Learn what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it.

Simplified Citation Methods

• For younger students: Use basic citation formats with the author’s name and title.

Drafting and Editing

Writing the Rough Draft

1. Intro/Hook: Start with an engaging opening.
2. Thesis: State the main idea or argument.
3. Body: Develop your points with supporting evidence.
4. Conclusion: Summarize and close effectively.

Editing and Revising

• GUMPS: Focus on Grammar, Usage, Mechanics, Punctuation, and Spelling.

• Common Areas of Struggle: Sentence structure and paragraph organization.

Formatting and Presentation

Document Formatting, Grades 5-8:

• Font: 12-point Times New Roman

• Color: Black

• Spacing: Double-spaced

• Indentation: Indent paragraphs

Sample Works Cited Page

• Include author, title, publisher, and publication date.

Grade-Specific Formatting Requirements

• Follow the standard formatting unless otherwise specified for presentations or displays.

Sources and Citations

Approved Sources to Use

• At least the number of sources specified for each grade level.

• Avoid Wikipedia and unverified student projects.

• Use websites, books, journal articles, podcasts, etc.

Simplified Citation Methods

• Use basic formats appropriate for the student's grade level.

Citing AI Tools

• In-text citation: Describe the AI tool and its output.

• Works Cited:

  • Format: "Title of AI tool," Version number, Company/Developer, Date accessed.

• Example:

  • In-text citation: "The analysis suggests a potential link between..." ("AI-generated content analysis," Bard 1.0, Google AI, 27 February 2024).

  • Works Cited: "Bard 1.0," Version 1.0, Google AI, 27 February 2024.

Additional Resources

• Citation Facts for Kids: Kids Kiddle Citation

• MLA Style Guidelines: Purdue OWL MLA Style

• Simplified Citation Resources: Check specific guides for younger students.

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