“There’s nothing new under the sun!” True, but students can be inspired by the old to do something new for themselves. Sounds weird, but that’s exactly what can occur when students we invite to pattern the writing they read.  Students soon learn that close reading, analysis and imitation unleash bursts of creativity that lead to [...]

Check out this discussion thread on English Companion Ning which includes Carol S’s distinction, as well as a list of quality resources to teach this key kind of writing and meet Common Core Standards for English Language Arts. Written by Carol  S Argue = change what the readers THINK Persuade = change what the readers [...]

An approach proven successful for me has taken several years to develop.  But it does seem to encourage students to do their best work the first time.  This approach includes incremental grading, allotting in-class time for peer responses to second and third drafts, including the class general grading guideline and a specific grading rubric for [...]

  Sometimes when students SEE how essays work, they can write their own with more confidence and competence. One thing that has worked for me is using colors, metaphors, and formulae.   USING COLORS: If you can locate colored pencils or highlighters in different colors, enough for three colors per student, you can try this. [...]

April is Poetry Month throughout the nation and what an exciting and creative way to have your students write about the subject you teach!  Their writing will help you “see” them more personally, too. Depending on the grade you teach, you may have students write a traditional poem with rhyme and rhythm, one of the [...]

Are you asking your students to write argumentative or persuasive essays and speeches? COMMON CORE ELA STANDARDS as well as other curriculum standards around the globe require that educators teach this kind of writing and speaking. Here’s an easy to access resource that presents arguments for both sides of current event issues. A good place to begin. [...]

 Looking for a poem to evoke conversation and teach patterning?                              “Dayrbeak in Alabama” by Langston Hughes is an excellent poem for any grade because it subtly addresses current social and political issues of diversity, it demonstrates the use of similes and an extended metaphor, and appeals to the senses in a way that students of all [...]

Complete an analysis  by telling the T.I.M.E.  of the poem. (See page 5 in handout packet at this link.) Click Writing about Poetry w-Grading Guidelines for printable assignment sheets.   Introduction  What is most memorable idea, image or literary device you recall about the poem? What direct quotation from the poem would be an effective attention getter? [...]

A powerful way to combine media literacy and writing is through the use of photo essays. At the same time, however, as I look at the photo sites available on line, an alarm bell goes up. We have the responsibility to select photos for our various units and must be careful. In fact, we should [...]

It is effective use of time to have student respond in class to the writing of their peers.  Here’s a structure that works well for a 50-60 minute class meeting.  Keep in mind, it may take three tries doing it before students feel comfortable with the process.  Sample guideline for structuring class is at this link to [...]