THE PARENT'S ENGLISH LAB
Practical reading, writing, and learning strategies for middle and high school students—and the parents who support them.
WHAT CAN I HELP YOU WITH?
Latest From the Lab
When the Writing Prompt Is the Problem - Helping middle school students understand what an assignment is really asking
by: Virginia TaylorPublished on: 03/08/2026Learn 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.
confusing writing promptsfigurative language for studentsunderstanding essay promptsliterary analysis for middle schoolhelping reluctant writers
