I am having a hard time getting started. I need to compare what I would expect to see in the classroom in terms of expected reading and writing development. How might this influence what reading and writing activities you might assign? what could youdo to strenghthen a student's reading and writing skills in each developmental stage?

I chose middle childhood and early adolescence.
I know that you do not do homework for people, but I am having a hard time finding ANY web sites that have anything at all to do with this. If you could point me in the right direction, I would GREATLY appreciate it.

Thanks in advance

This is an extremely broad question. Are the kids you have in mind ...

* college prep
* non-college prep
* just out of ESL
* learning disabled in any way
* or what?

One thing you might look at are any released tests that are used by your state. For example, in Texas, parents and students can get an idea of what the state-mandated tests include by going to the state education website -- http://www.tea.state.tx.us/ -- and finding the "Released Tests" link at the right. Then find the grade levels you're interested in. What the tests are testing gives you an idea of what the "average" student at that grade level should be able to do reasonably well in the spring of the school year.

Finding resources and information for a specific topic can sometimes be challenging, but there are some strategies you can use to find the information you need. Here's how you can approach your situation:

1. Start with a search engine: Begin by searching for keywords related to your topic on popular search engines like Google or Bing. For example, search for "expected reading and writing development in middle childhood and early adolescence."

2. Explore educational websites: Look for reputable educational websites that focus on child development, education, or literacy. Websites like Edutopia, Reading Rockets, or NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) are good starting points. These websites often provide resources, research-based articles, and practical strategies for supporting reading and writing development.

3. Utilize academic databases and journals: If you have access to academic databases through your school or library, try searching for research articles related to reading and writing development in middle childhood and early adolescence. Databases like ERIC, JSTOR, or ProQuest can be useful in finding scholarly articles that discuss the topic in depth.

4. Consult educational textbooks: Check if you have any textbooks related to education, child development, or literacy that cover the age group you are interested in. Textbooks often provide an overview of expected reading and writing development and offer suggestions for appropriate activities.

5. Connect with educators or professionals: Reach out to teachers, educators, or professionals in the field of education through forums or social media platforms. They might be able to recommend resources or share their own experiences and insights.

Remember, while I can guide you in finding information and resources, it is important to critically evaluate the sources you come across and ensure that they are reliable, evidence-based, and align with your specific needs and context. Good luck with your research!