How do you evaluate and select the most appropriate writing resources and materials for your classroom?

1 Consider your objectives and standards

Before you start looking for writing resources and materials, you need to have a clear idea of what you want your students to learn and achieve. What are the learning objectives and standards for your grade level and subject area? How do they align with the writing skills and genres you want to teach? How will you assess your students' progress and performance? By defining your objectives and standards, you can narrow down your search and focus on the resources and materials that support your curriculum and expectations.

2 Evaluate the quality and relevance of the content

Once you have identified some potential writing resources and materials, you need to evaluate their quality and relevance. How accurate, current, and reliable is the information and advice they provide? How well do they match your students' background knowledge, language level, and learning styles? How relevant are they to your students' interests, motivations, and needs? How diverse and inclusive are the perspectives and voices they represent? By evaluating the quality and relevance of the content, you can ensure that the resources and materials you choose are engaging, meaningful, and respectful for your students.

3 Compare the features and benefits of the format

Another factor to consider when selecting writing resources and materials is the format. How easy and convenient is it to access, use, and store them? How interactive and adaptable are they to different teaching methods and learning scenarios? How attractive and appealing are they to your students' preferences and expectations? How compatible and consistent are they with your school's policies and resources? By comparing the features and benefits of the format, you can decide which type of resource or material is best suited for your classroom, whether it is a print book, an online course, a podcast, a video, or a game.

4 Seek feedback and recommendations from others

A good way to find out more about the quality and effectiveness of writing resources and materials is to seek feedback and recommendations from others. Who are the authors, publishers, or providers of the resources and materials? What are their credentials, reputation, and experience in the field of writing education? What are the reviews, ratings, or testimonials from other teachers or students who have used the resources and materials? How do they compare with other similar or alternative resources and materials? By seeking feedback and recommendations from others, you can gain more insight and confidence in your choices.

5 Try out the resources and materials yourself

Finally, before you introduce the writing resources and materials to your students, you should try them out yourself. How do they fit your teaching style and goals? How do they address your challenges and concerns? How do they enhance your strengths and opportunities? How do they inspire your creativity and passion? How do they align with your professional development and growth? By trying out the resources and materials yourself, you can assess their suitability and effectiveness for your classroom, as well as identify any potential issues or gaps that need to be addressed or supplemented.

Choosing the right writing resources and materials for your classroom can be a daunting task, but it can also be a rewarding one. By following these tips and criteria, you can evaluate and select the most appropriate writing resources and materials for your students' success and enjoyment.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?