Writing Resources for Your Child

Writing is one of the skills where the right resource at the right moment can make a real difference. A student who is stuck on how to structure an essay may need a simple graphic organizer. A student who doesn't know how to develop ideas may need exposure to mentor texts — examples of the kind of writing they're trying to produce. A student who struggles with vocabulary may need a tool that makes word exploration engaging. Here is a curated list of the resources we recommend most often at LTWN.

Graphic organizers are among the most practical tools for any writer, at any level. A simple three-column organizer (Claim | Evidence | Explanation) is the foundation of analytical writing. A story mountain or narrative arc template gives young writers the scaffold to build plot structure. Free graphic organizers are available at Teacherspayteachers.com, Education.com, and through a simple Google search. Print several and keep them available — the best tool is the one that's within reach when a student needs it.

Mentor texts are published pieces of writing in the genre or format a student is trying to produce. The best way to learn how a strong argumentative essay works is to read several and notice their structure, their use of evidence, their openings and conclusions. The same is true for narrative writing, descriptive writing, and any other form. Collect mentor texts from quality sources — The New York Times Student section, Newsela, or published collections of student essays — and use them as models before writing, not as things to imitate mechanically but as examples of what's possible.

No Red Ink (noredink.com) is a grammar and mechanics platform used by many school districts that offers personalized, adaptive practice. Students complete grammar exercises in the context of their own interests (sports teams, favorite shows, hobbies), which makes the practice feel relevant. Free and premium versions are both available.

Hemingway Editor (hemingwayapp.com) is a free tool that analyzes a piece of writing for readability. It highlights overly complex sentences, passive voice, adverbs, and hard-to-read passages in different colors. For students revising their own work, it provides a useful external perspective — a quick check on whether the prose is clear and direct. It's not a substitute for feedback from a skilled reader, but it catches surface-level clarity issues efficiently.

The LTWN writing curriculum is designed around all of these principles: structured scaffolding, mentor text exposure, specific feedback, and regular revision practice. If your student would benefit from more support than a tool can provide, our programs offer expert instruction tailored to exactly where they are — and where they want to go.