FRED helps us become stronger writers

Last week, students learned how FRED can help them become stronger writers. Here's the explanation of the acronym with some examples. Please encourage your child to use FRED across the curriculum in his/her writing.

F - Fact or focus statement. This introduces our readers to the topic of our paper. It is clear and powerful.

Logan Williams cannot go out in the sunlight because she has a rare genetic disease called XP.

R - Reasons. Reasons support our fact or focus statement. They may answer the question, "Why?"

 Logan Williams cannot go out in the sunlight because she has a rare genetic disease called XP. This disease makes sun exposure impossible because the sun’s dangerous UV rays can cause deadly skin cancers in victims of XP. 

E - Examples. Examples support our reasons. They may answer the question, "How?"

Logan Williams cannot go out in the sunlight because she has a rare genetic disease called XP. This disease makes sun exposure impossible because the sun’s dangerous UV rays can cause deadly skin cancers in victims of XP. Logan must play outside at night, while most kids are sleeping. To play outside during the day, she needs to wear a dark green suit that covers her entire body – head to toe. 

D - Details. Details further explain or clarify our examples. They beef up our writing and make it more powerful.

Logan Williams cannot go out in the sunlight because she has a rare genetic disease called XP. This disease makes sun exposure impossible because the sun’s dangerous UV rays can cause deadly skin cancers in victims of XP. Logan must play outside at night, while most kids are sleeping. To play outside during the day, she needs to wear a dark green suit that covers her entire body – head to toe. The suit, created by NASA, includes goggles, a hood and textured gloves for gripping.