Writing for the Glory of God
CHEACC Heart of Homeschool Conference 2026
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that you have. I Peter 3:15
Gifts that Writing Bestows
1. Comprehension of material
2. Cognitive Skills: focus of attention, planning & forethought, reflection, expression of abstract ideas, choosing the right words, constructing effective sentences
3. Critical Thinking: analysis of information, consideration of different viewpoints and alternative possibilities, questioning of assumptions, recognition of biases, construction of a logical case to support a thesis, methodical problem solving
4. Innovation: thinking outside the box, exploring new ideas, presenting findings in innovative ways
5. Memory: enhanced recall of material
6. Influence: competence, credibility, and persuasiveness
7. Perseverance: tenacity and grit (Thinkers are forged in the fire of the struggle writing well represents.)
Links:
“Benefits of Essay Writing Skills” by Taleem Online
“Benefits of Writing” by M. Cecil Smith
Six Traits of Effective Writing
Links:
Six Traits of Writing: the Ultimate Guide by Krisina Smekens
“IEW’s Checklist: Supporting Student Success” by Jean Nichol (regarding use of the dress-ups, decorations, etc)
Recommendations:
Daily Six Trait Writing by Evans More (elementary school)
Easy Writing (sentence structure variation practice) by Wanda C. Phillips (middle/high school)
Handouts:
Stanford University’s “Top Twenty Errors”
Texas A&M International University’s “12 Ways to Cut Clutter from Writing”
Teaching Tips
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The writing program you USE is the best program for you.
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Remember moderation.
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Don’t give up on grammar workbooks until after mastery.
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Create a daily rhythm for writing.
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Create opportunities for ‘publication”.
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Consider inductive methods.
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Harness innate abilities and interests.
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Place faith over fear: John 14:27, Isaiah 30:15.
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The AI Controversy
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When should students should use AI for writing? Answer: When NONE of the “Gifts that Writing Bestows” matter.
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Using AI for student research means that AI will guide the path of discovery (the research trajectory). Also, be aware that AI plagiarizes and hallucinates (makes up facts that are not true.)
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Students who use AI for writing demonstrate: a 64% decrease in critical thinking leading to blind acceptance of AI content, an 83% decrease in memory of content, and a 55% reduction in total magnitute of brain connectivity vital for learning.
Links:
“The Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking”
“Your Brain on ChatGPT” (216-page MIT study)
“MIT Study: 83% of AI Users Can't Remember Their Own Writing”
Handout:
My personal AI Responsibility Agreement (use as guide for making your own)