As a Kindergarten teacher my biggest worry with plagiarism is if they write the same thing on their paper as their neighbor. It usually requires a firm look and they begin to erase and do their own work. That is an easy part about teaching a lower grade because they don't argue as much as older kids, even though they DO have their brave moments. I am wondering though how teachers of higher grades deal with this issue. The article Using Evidence in Writing has made me think a bit differently. Maybe plagiarism is not often done on purpose but more by accident. I am sure that I have accidentally plagiarized as well. This also makes me wonder what are ways we can start teaching them the rules of using someone else's work at a young age. I think it all starts with teaching respect, honesty, and exposure to correct writing techniques.
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