Strategy #1

Dedicated Writing Time

Although applying writing skills naturally happens in other subject areas, studies support having a dedicated writing time where students can receive adequate practice and instruction in writing.

Graham, S. (2019). Changing How Writing Is Taught. Review of Research in Education, 43(1), 277–303.

Strategy #2

Strategy-Focused Direct Instruction

Strategy-focused instruction is one of the most effective approaches to improve writing skills. It teaches developing writers strategies that give them executive control over their writing processes through direct instruction, modeling, and scaffolded practice.

Lopez, P. (2017). Effects of Direct Instruction and Strategy Modeling on Upper-Primary Students' Writing Development. Frontiers Psychology.

Strategy #3

Teacher Modeling & Exemplar Usage

We provide age-appropriate model texts for every unit that reflect the elements of the writing genre students should replicate. Research shows students in the Models group received significantly higher scores than students without models.

Charney, D., & Carlson, R. (1995). Learning to write in a genre. Research in the Teaching of English, 29, 88–125.

Strategy #4

Teacher Clarity

Teacher clarity goes beyond simply writing standards on the board. We provide clear purpose, success criteria, and learning goals for every lesson — a logical pathway from where students are to where we want them to be.

Hattie, J. (2010). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. Routledge.

Strategy #5

Graphic Organizers

Graphic organizers provide a necessary visual element for ELL and visual learners. Students using a concept- mapping learning strategy do better and retain learning longer than those limited to text-only strategies.

Kansızoğlu, H. (2017). The Effect of Graphic Organizers on Language Teaching and Learning Areas: A Meta-Analysis Study. TED EĞİTİM VE BİLİM, 42.

Strategy #6

Consistent & Timely Feedback

Feedback is the cornerstone of revision. Alongside peer and teacher feedback strategies, we include many self-assessment opportunities built around the principle that "where to next" comments are necessary for student improvement.

Hattie, J. A., & Clarke, S. (2019). Visible learning: Feedback. Routledge.

For the 1st time in my 25 years of teaching I have a scope and sequence for my writing instruction. There is SO MUCH SUPPORT and a perfect amount of scaffolding. Students are engaged and the work is concise and practical. The student anchor charts/notes are well done and students refer back to them daily when they are writing. THANK YOU TEAM SIMPLIFY WRITING! I feel like an organized, thoughtful and efficient writing teacher with your support and hard work. 

Danita M.

Claremont, CA

I have really enjoyed using Simplify Writing. A colleague with whom I worked with last year presented it to me. I found the lessons easy to follow, clean and simple, and the kids and I enjoyed the structure. It had everything I needed. I especially loved the fact that I didn't spend hours trying to find or create the curriculum. This program has been a lifesaver. I since have moved from Middle to elementary school and spoke to my principal about this program. She purchased it for EVERYONE to use. I'm thrilled!

Romina I.

Morgan Hill, CA