Write About This
You ever get students that can’t find something to write about? This app is filled with many writing prompts. This app is highly rated.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/write-about-this/id601375313?mt=8
Word Banks
This might seem like a strange idea for writing. However, if you give a word bank of vocabulary and ask the students to use each word you are creating structure. The question they will ask out loud or to themselves is “how will I do this?” The answer is to write a topic sentence then put each word into a sentence. You can give different students different words. Try giving them five words and having them writes a paragraph. Sometimes setting small goals and getting them started is the most important thing to do.
Peer Story Telling
We do peer editing why not storytelling? Have students work in groups of two. Each student has to tell the basic story in a short time frame. If one student does not have an idea for the story, then have that specific student listen to someone that has a story to tell. The other student will model an example of a story. They will ask each other several questions. The questions they ask will be almost the same questions you would ask them. Some people think out loud better than in isolation. It is a good trick to break writer block. The movement within the classroom will benefit some of your students as well.
Alternative Story Telling
Have them draw a picture, act out a scene or make a short video. Even just filling out a storyboard with stick figures and sharing and explaining with a peer can make a big difference. This creates movement and can calm some people and give them a short break from a lower interest activity. You can structure the activity so that it is short. Try using a timer. Think about it as a constructive break for the student that is aligned with the curriculum. You should consider the right combination of students, limiting the time and most importantly make the activity fun. Teachers that use such creative ideas get noticed by peers in a positive way. Years ago, I did activities like this, and no one else was. I was able to engage students that had significant problems, and they enjoyed the activities. This can add a new dimension to your teaching. The best part is today that most teachers will like and understand why you are doing this.
Specific Graphic Organizers
Characters:
http://www.fcrr.org/curriculum/PDF/G4-5/45CPartOne.pdf
https://www.pinterest.com/explore/character-traits-graphic-organizer/
http://www.literacyleader.com/sites/default/files/Character%20Graphic%20Organizers.pdf
https://www.risd.k12.nm.us/assessment_evaluation/Character%20Analysis.pdf
Setting
http://www.eduref.org/Virtual/Lessons/Language_Arts/Writing/WCP0222e.pdf
Writing a Paragraph or Essay:
https://projectwritemsu.wikispaces.com/file/view/graphic+organizers.pdf
https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/graphic-organizers/hamburger-writing_WBRDM.pdf
SmartDraw
This is a software program that helps you draw graphic organizers and colorful diagrams. This program is for someone that wants to write curriculum.
https://www.smartdraw.com/education/examples/
Story Boards:
http://edselect.com/Docs/Graphicorganizers.pdf
http://www.balancedreading.com/graphorg.pdf
Idea Generators
http://fantasynamegenerators.com/art-concept-idea-generator.php#.WC_ZjH1BRMs
Write About This
This is a highly rated dynamic writing prompt app for elementary school.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/write-about-this/id601375313?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Word Prediction
Word Q
Voice Dream Writer
http://www.voicedream.com/writer/
Typing for Students with Greater Physical Limitations
Abilipad
This has to be one of the most interesting apps I have ever encountered. It is text to speech, customizable keyboard, and word prediction. If you have trouble spelling and talking this app would be a good fit. You can even create a keyboard exactly the way you want it. The app has several different things going on and as a result, is hard to place in a category.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abilipad/id435865000?mt=8
Speech to Text
Google Documents Voice Typing
https://support.google.com/docs/answer/4492226?hl=en
Dragon Mobile Assistant
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nuance.balerion&hl=en
Advanced Grammar and Spell Checkers
Grammarly
Grammarly is an advanced grammar and spell checker for MS Word.
Advanced Grammar and Spell Checker for Google Documents
Typing Instead of Handwriting
SnapType Pro
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/snaptype-pro/id1124123246?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.snaptypeapp.android.pro