One of the best ways for seventh graders to improve their writing is to strengthen their vocabulary. A strong vocabulary sets the foundation for crafting expository writing. As an alternative to memorizing vocabulary by rote, assign each student the responsibility of developing a song using the vocabulary they must learn. The song need not have musical instruments, but it should have a sense of rhythm and flow as well as correct usage of the vocabulary. Students can tailor their song to fit a variety of genres, but many students enjoy rapping the vocabulary because it can be funny and entertaining to other students. Since it may be difficult for students to use every word they are responsible for, set a reasonable minimum such as 7 to 10 vocabulary words.
One of the advantages of a debate book is that it incorporates and encourages brainstorming skills, peer-editing skills and research skills. Divide the class into two groups. Assign the class an issue or let the class vote on what issue they would like to address. Just make sure there is ample literature on the issue so the students do not have problems finding arguments to make their case. Each group should research magazines, newspapers, books and scholarly journals to find arguments that support their side of the issue. They should then photocopy or cut out the articles they find to be pasted into the book. In addition to the research they find, each group should formulate in their own words either the standard arguments in favor of or against the issue as well as any new positions they might find. Make sure that the students also write why they chose certain arguments. This exercise helps them develop analytical and critical writing skills.
Changing the traditional environment of the classroom can help spark students' interest in writing and refocus their thinking. If the weather permits, devote a class period to writing outside. Encourage students to find a comfortable spot under a tree or on a bench. Students should write a journal entry about whatever is on their mind. The purpose of this exercise is to encourage free thinking and help students learn how to write freely and without restraint.
Using any of the assigned literature for the school year, students should reenact scenes from a play or episodes in a book they have read. Students should use some, but not all, of the dialogue in their own reenactment verbatim from the play or book they have read. Because not all scenes will have dialogue, however, you should encourage students to write their own dialogue, tailoring it to mesh with the events, characters or themes in the book or play.