Review: Writing Prompts Boxes from Prim-Ed
Writing prompts are a new product from Prim-Ed. They come in three different levels or boxes as far as I can see-box 1,2 and 3. Each box is further subdivide into three sections, persuasive, informative and imaginative prompts for writing in the primary classroom. Box 1 is suitable for a good 1st or 2nd Class, Box 2 for 3rd and 4th with Box 3 for the 5th and 6th class level though it all depends on the children and their ability.
First off, the product is extremely cute and dinky! If I were giving marks alone for presentation and the cuteness, they would score top marks! Instead, I will focus on classroom and curriculum relevance!
We have 200 cards in each box with some of the suggested writing genres in the english curriculum being covered-exposition, procedure, recount, report, narrative, poetry. A short guiding prompt is given so the child has a starting point when they are stuck for what to write about. The box does say that the children would have to be comfortable with working with a particular genre before work on these cards. These cards do not, therefore, teach the writing genres but are moreso a helping hand for the class that has covered their learning in the writing area and are ready to work more independently, either pair or group or whatever type of learning situation the teacher sets up.
However, this does not negate their brilliance or usefulness in a busy classroom. These prompts are hitting exactly on what the teacher and child needs once the pre-learning has occurred. The child who finishes early or the child who struggles with ideas(or indeed the teacher) of where to go with their writing will get great use from these cards. A teacher could use them for homework activities, writing stations or general practice.
They are a starting point and each child will come up with something unique. They are the biggest strengths. These cards, I imagine, would tie in nicely with the other writing resource books that Prim-Ed have published previously but I’m sure teachers have these covered already.
I would definitely recommend these cards for the teacher who loves writing in the classroom and wants to teach it properly. Anseo.net have set of these boxes for our competition for September! In order to enter the competition, all you have to do is subscribe to Anseo.net by filling in the form below or on the side of the web site. All subscribers will be entered into a draw and one lucky winner will be drawn on 30th September. By subscribing, you will receive an email when we write an article on Anseo.net.
The winner for our September competition is Sarah Connolly from Co. Sligo. Well done!
Writing Prompt Boxes 1,2 and 3 are available from Prim-Ed Publishing.
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