Writing is the the neglected R!

Although writing is recognized as one of the three R's, an essential element in education, it is often neglected. Reading and mathematics are taught regularly. However, writing is usually seen as an event--something teachers do right before parent-teacher conferences. It doesn't have to be that way!

Nothing motivates student writing more than publishing. When students are given the chance to share their work with a real audience, they are willing to engage in the writing process.

My favorite site for this type of work is: www.mightyauthors.com.

At school or at home, students are able to access this Web site and use it just as they would a word processor. Their projects can be saved and enhanced by manipulating text, downloading digital photos, importing files, or scanning their own illustrations. For younger children, text can also be scanned.

Once a project is completed, students may choose to use the free print out option which allows them to print and bind their book at home or parents may choose to pay for the book to be professionally printed and bound as a paperback or hardback. Since literacy is ideally a family affair, the student's whole family may use www.mightyauthors.com.

In the past, educators have used homemade covers, blank books, or send-away packets to occasionally give students the opportunity to publish. Along with being one-time events, these projects required a great deal of effort on the part of participating teachers. With this site students have the opportunity to write and publish at any time and teachers can determine their own level of involvement.

Such publishing opportunities can build students' self-confidence and improve reading and writing skills. Participants can use today's technology and save time and money. As educators and parents, we need to allow writing to take its rightful place in the curriculum of schools and the education of young people.

Now it can truly be one of the three R's.