What About "The Other Three?"

As we explored last month, writing should be included in all areas of academic programming in order to make lasting strides in thinking, learning, and literacy in all content areas. Many teachers, students, and parents see writing as a responsibility that mainly belongs in the ELA classroom. But, they also believe that writing is a core skill necessary for real world success in all fields. English/Language Arts is one of the four foundational pillars of what have come to be known as the Core Areas. In this issue, we are bringing the other three pillars social studies, science and math–into focus as we continue to spread the message that writing should be used across the curriculum. Read on to see how to create and use tasks that organically meet the three Rs of our framework--real, relevant, and relatable writing--in “the other three” core areas.

Social Studies, Science, and Math Quickwrites

Quickwrites are a cornerstone of our framework and are perfect for "the other three" core academic realms. They can be used as an engaging class starter, a strategy to encourage critical thinking, a tool for summarizing learning, an efficient device to assess understanding, or a risk-free vehicle for students to ask questions or clear up misconceptions. Below are just a few examples of prompts that can be used in "the other three." They are either Type Ones (brainstorming, activating prior knowledge) or Type Twos (checking or reinforcing understanding) depending on where students are in the learning process. To keep quickwrites quick, remember to set a time limit for students to respond, usually about 2 to 5 minutes.

Look at this series of numbers. Describe the pattern, identify what number would come next, and explain how you know. What is the difference, in your own words, between addition and subtraction?

Name three explorers and give two details about each. What is the difference between the popular vote and the electoral college? Explain in 4 lines.

How do you know if something is living? Give two ways and two examples. Explain one mistake you should warn other students about when they do the lab we just completed.

Here's a Complete List of Prompts for "The Other Three."

Check out the full January 2025 Collins Writing Exchange Newsletter.