School Rules! Writing. Emma MacLaren Henke
whom you could see
working hard.
if you knew you could ask
questions and get up to
stretch for a break.
When you have an online homework
assignment, you’re likely to . . .
keep your e-mail open so you can get
help from friends as you work.
be distracted clicking on the hilarious
kitten videos your sister told you about.
visit only your class website and the pages
you use to find the information you need.
Pencil
Point
Writing takes inspiration
and concentration. Find
a spot that has the right
mix for you!
When you study, you listen to . . .
your favorite music in the background.
The beat keeps your mind moving and
makes study time speed by.
the sounds of your home, such
as your brother chatting on the
phone while your dad cooks
dinner in the kitchen. You take
mini-breaks to listen in or taste
dad’s progress.
nothing! You like a quiet space.
Your class is reading a novel,
you’re behind, and you’ve got
to finish by tomorrow! You’d
settle down to read . . .
wherever you are. But you’d ask
people to make sure you keep
turning those pages.
in that comfy beanbag chair in
your attic. No one will bother
you up there!
at your kitchen table. Your mom
will keep you on track, and you
can stop for a snack anytime
you like.
Did you pick mostly purple
answers? You may write best in a
space away from distractions, such
as your room or a quiet spot at
the library. You need to find focus
in order to work. If you have a hard
time concentrating around noise,
try wearing earplugs or noise-
canceling headphones.
Did you choose red the most?
You look for motivation in what-
ever is around you. You could be
comfortable any place you find
inspiring. Maybe you’d like a group
setting, such as a writing center
or study hall. Try creating playlists
of motivating music for the times
you need to work on your own.
Did you go for green? You prefer
a writing space that lets you take
time-outs when you need them.
Whether you’re working at home
or away, plan breaks into your
work time. But be careful not to
let the breaks take over!
Scribe Supplies
Stock your desk with these top tools for writing.
pens
Use colors to inspire
yourself!
pencils
dictionary
Not sure you’re using a
word correctly or spelling
it right? Look it up!
computer
Use it for both writing
and research.
style manual
You’ll need a guide
to great grammar and
fabulous formatting.
paper
library card
Writers read!
Writers do research!
erasers
Use an engineer’s or
artist’s eraser to keep
your work neat.
sticky notes
Make notes in books
or on your own work
with these removable
wonders.
thesaurus
Add variety to your
writing with fresh
words and phrases.
highlighters
Highlight important
passages on printouts
or photocopies. When
you’re reviewing your own
words, highlight passages
you love—or passages
you’d love to change.
notebooks
Use full-size notebooks
for projects or journal
writing. Carry a small
notebook with you to
write your thoughts when
inspiration strikes.
Keystroke
or Pen Stroke?
What’s the best way for you to start writing?
Your teacher may ask for a “handwritten” or “typed” paper in the assignment
directions. Until you create the final version, though, what you use to write your
words is completely up to you. Pen or keyboard—which helps your words flow?
Consider the pluses and the minuses of high-tech versus hands-on writing.
You can take a notebook
anywhere you go!
It’s satisfying to hold your
writing in your hands.
You’ll never run out of
battery power.
You