Merit Question and Answer
What Can I Do To Teach Common Core Writing Skills?

Merit has worked with many 4th and 5th grade teachers to teach writing skills. The Common Core writing standards align well with Merit’s writing programs.

The best option is to first use Starter Paragraph Punch and then use Open Punch.

With Starter Paragraph Punch students learn how to write a basic paragraph developed through reasons, details, examples, and sequence. Pre-set writing prompts guide students step-by-step through pre-writing, organizing, revising, editing, and publishing. Student writing is stored in an easy-to-use management system which allows teachers to monitor learners’ progress.

After Starter Paragraph Punch, try using Open Punch. Open Punch helps students learn to write narrative, fact-based, or opinion paragraphs – the writing concepts emphasized in the Common Core. Once teachers are familiar with the structure of the Punch programs, they can use their own writing topics with the program.