FROM THE DESK OF The Structured Writing Teacher

  The Science of Writing: What Actually Works? If you’ve been anywhere near the world of education lately, you’ve probably heard about the “Science of Reading” movement. The podcast Sold a Story shook up the literacy world by exposing how reading instruction in the U.S. has ignored research-backed strategies for decades. But as I listened to that podcast, I couldn’t stop thinking: What about writing? Where is the research-backed, evidence-based method for teaching kids to write? So, I did what any self-respecting teacher does during a break—I fell down a massive research rabbit hole . And what I found? Well, let’s just say…it was eye-opening . In this post, I’m breaking down: ✔️ The biggest problems with how writing is taught today ✔️ What actual research says about effective writing instruction ✔️ The three essential components of a successful writing program Let’s dig in. The Pendulum Problem in Writing Instruction Education is notorious for swinging back and forth ...

  What Writing Programs Get WRONG (And How I Fixed It for My Students) Have you ever tried to follow a writing program only to find that your students aren’t engaged ? Maybe they rush through assignments, resist revision, or just don’t care about their writing. If so, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. And after years of researching writing programs, teaching middle schoolers, and working with professional editors as a published author, I realized something huge: 🚨 Most writing programs are missing ONE key element. 🚨 This missing piece changed everything for my students—and today, I’m breaking down exactly what it is, why it matters, and how you can transform your students into confident, motivated writers. Why I Created My Own Writing Program For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Robin Mellom , a children’s book author with Disney-Hyperion and HarperCollins and a middle school teacher. When I first started teaching in 1992, I had zero training on how to teach writi...