THE READING AND WRITING LAB

Practical strategies, teaching insights, and encouragement for middle and high school students and the parents who support them.

Why Editing Too Soon Gets in the Way of Good Writing

Why Editing Too Soon Gets in the Way of Good Writing

Why Editing Too Soon Gets in the Way of Good WritingVirginia Taylor
Published on: 10/08/2026

When students edit every sentence as they write, good ideas can get lost. Learn why writing the first draft before editing can help students write with more confidence.

Writing Lab
When the Writing Prompt Is the Problem - Helping middle school students understand what an assignment is really asking

When the Writing Prompt Is the Problem - Helping middle school students understand what an assignment is really asking

When the Writing Prompt Is the Problem - Helping middle school students understand what an assignment is really askingVirginia Taylor
Published on: 03/08/2026

Learn how to help students translate confusing writing prompts, recognize figurative language, and understand what an assignment is really asking. Sometimes students have plenty of ideas—but no idea what the assignment wants from them.

Writing Lab
What "Add More Details" Actually Means: A Tutor Explains

What "Add More Details" Actually Means: A Tutor Explains

What "Add More Details" Actually Means: A Tutor ExplainsVirginia Taylor
Published on: 27/07/2026

Wondering what teachers mean by "add more details"? Learn how stronger thinking—not longer paragraphs—helps students become better writers. Keywords

Writing Lab
The Best Writing Question I Know

The Best Writing Question I Know

The Best Writing Question I KnowVirginia Taylor
Published on: 15/07/2026

One simple question can help reluctant writers organize their thoughts and gain confidence before they ever begin writing.

Writing Lab