Why Writing Projects are a BIG YES in Upper Elementary!

Why should you be using writing projects with your class? Let’s dig into this a bit and see how you can support developing writers and have fun doing it!

First of all, what is a writing project? Well, to me a writing project goes beyond your typical writing activity and incorporates the entire writing process. This includes a published final piece of writing. It’s a step by step project that is guided by the teacher, but driven by the student.

So why should you use writing projects? Here are 4 key reasons:

1. Clear Expectations Grading sheets or project rubrics are included with my writing projects which make it easy to share the expectations with your class. It’s so important that students know where they’re going before they start writing. No surprises here!
2. Organized Writing There is an order and a plan to each activity within the project. Each activity is intentional with the final written piece in mind at all times.
3. Step by Step Directions The step by step directions eliminates the “I don’t know what to write”, we so often hear in the classroom. One step at a time is easier to tackle and less daunting for students.
4. Thorough Final Piece Your students will surprise themselves with how well thought out their writing will be when they follow the process outlined in each writing project. By breaking down each step, providing support and suggestions, students have success in getting their ideas to paper.

My best selling writing project is the Autobiography Writing Project for Grades 3-5. This resource consists of 11 activities and the final product is a wonderfully written autobiography! Since this has been such a success, I’ve designed a similar resource for grades 5-8, which you can find here (Autobiography Writing Project, Grades 5-8). Both resources are aligned to the standards, engaging, and thorough.

You can find the full line of WRITING PROJECTS in my TpT shop!

Seasonal writing projects are also a favorite, so be sure to check those out as well!

My FAVORITE writing project by far is the Home for the Holiday project because the students get to write from the point of view of the tree! It’s a lot of fun and provides many opportunities for descriptive writing.

Happy Teaching, My Friends!