Hello Parents and Students
Make sure you take some time tonight to discuss with each other your ERB topic and strategy for essay writing tomorrow.

ERB Writing Tips

Fifth grade usually gets a descriptive prompt and the students have 50 minutes on each day to write, which would be different from a 3^rd or 4^th grade sibling who
gets a narrative (story) prompt and has 60 minutes. The focus this year as
compared to last year will be on clear details and how well they are
supported/explained!
As tradition goes, there will be no homework on those nights to encourage the children to rest and think of ideas for the big test. I strongly urge you to talk to your child about what
they are writing – it’s expected and not cheating from the ERB group.

Questions you can ask your
child on Wednesday night:

What is the topic?

What have you written about so far? (they should be 75% done)

What are you planning for your ending? (listen to how they’ll shape an interesting,
sometimes open or unexpected conclusion; if not – help them, I’m not allowed
to)

What is your opening sentence? (Big points are scored in a good opening – something unusual;
interesting action or dialogue)

How can I help you shape your ideas? (The question might be about a topic that you remember – a trip to Thailand or a strange Uncle – and can help give details that
will enrich their work)

But, more than anything, your young one needs to relax and get some good rest.