THE PARENT'S ENGLISH LAB

Practical reading, writing, and learning strategies for middle and high school students—and the parents who support them.

What Writing Support Should Feel Like—and What It Shouldn’t

What Writing Support Should Feel Like—and What It Shouldn’tby: Virginia TaylorPublished on: 14/09/2026

Good writing support builds confidence without taking over. Learn how to help students work through frustration while keeping their ideas their own.

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What Writing Support Should Feel Like—and What It Shouldn’t

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

What "Add More Details" Actually Means: A Tutor Explainsby: Virginia TaylorPublished 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

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

Before You Tell Them to Turn Off the Game, Try This Instead | Helping Reluctant Writers

Before You Tell Them to Turn Off the Game, Try This Instead | Helping Reluctant Writersby: Virginia TaylorPublished on: 08/07/2026

Before you ask your student to turn off the game, try asking a few questions instead. You might discover they're already practicing many of the same thinking skills we teach in English class.

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Before You Tell Them to Turn Off the Game, Try This Instead | Helping Reluctant Writers

How Dungeons & Dragons Can Improve Writing Skills

How Dungeons & Dragons Can Improve Writing Skillsby: Virginia TaylorPublished on: 06/07/2026

Dungeons & Dragons can help reluctant writers build description, character motivation, evidence, and confidence—one story at a time.

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How Dungeons & Dragons Can Improve Writing Skills