Writing

A character analysis and creative writing lesson centered on the Straw Hat Pirates from One Piece. Students will explore character motivations, roles, and traits while developing their own unique additions to the crew.

An engaging figurative language enrichment activity for students who finish assignments early, focusing on simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and idioms.

Students explore their unique personality traits and strengths to prepare for an 'All About Me' essay using a visual brainstorming web.

A lesson focused on post-SSR reading comprehension through daily reflection and choice-based activities across four key skill areas.

A comprehensive collection of 100 creative writing prompts designed to spark middle schoolers' imagination, self-reflection, and critical thinking across six key themes.

Final assessments and a project-based learning activity where students explore the book's themes creatively.

The aftermath of the rescue, Winnie's big decision, and the ultimate resolution of the story (Chapters 21-Epilogue).

The tension rises as the man in the yellow suit makes his move and the Tucks face a dire threat (Chapters 13-20).

Exploring the Tucks' home life, their explanation of the spring, and Winnie's growing bond with the family (Chapters 6-12).

Introduction to the Foster family, the woods, and the initial encounter with the Tucks (Prologue to Chapter 5).

A fast-paced, 30-minute lesson where students become literary detectives, learning to identify and use specific textual evidence to support claims about short fiction.

A resource kit for teachers to track and support student progress across three distinct tiers of mastery, specifically tailored for Narrative Writing skills.

A creative writing application where students rewrite a narrative passage from a different perspective, using a tone checklist and structured scaffold to demonstrate mastery of voice.

Students compare a narrative account of cultural identity with an informational news article to analyze how different perspectives and formats shape the delivery of a shared theme.

An introduction to literary voice using excerpts from The House on Mango Street, focusing on word choice and sentence structure as tools for building character personality.

A creative writing application where students rewrite a passage from a new perspective. Includes scaffolds for tone and sentence structure, concluding with a formal rubric for assessment.

Students compare different perspectives on the same topic by analyzing a narrative excerpt from Jason Reynolds and a paired news article. The lesson focuses on how purpose and point of view change the delivery of information.

An introduction to 'voice' in literature, using Sandra Cisneros's 'The House on Mango Street' as a primary text. Students learn to identify word choice and sentence structure that contribute to a narrator's unique personality.

A fast-paced creative writing lesson exploring extended metaphors through Carol Ann Duffy's 'Valentine'. Students deconstruct unconventional imagery and draft their own anti-cliché love poems.

A comprehensive lesson guiding students from the history and purpose of slam poetry through writing original verses to performing with impact and giving constructive peer feedback.

A lesson focused on self-editing and peer-reviewing using a rubric-aligned checklist to improve sentence variety, grammar, and mechanics.

A resource kit for teachers to track and support student progress across three distinct tiers of mastery, specifically tailored for Narrative Writing skills.

A creative writing application where students rewrite a narrative passage from a different perspective, using a tone checklist and structured scaffold to demonstrate mastery of voice.

Students compare a narrative account of cultural identity with an informational news article to analyze how different perspectives and formats shape the delivery of a shared theme.

An introduction to literary voice using excerpts from The House on Mango Street, focusing on word choice and sentence structure as tools for building character personality.

A creative writing application where students rewrite a passage from a new perspective. Includes scaffolds for tone and sentence structure, concluding with a formal rubric for assessment.

Students compare different perspectives on the same topic by analyzing a narrative excerpt from Jason Reynolds and a paired news article. The lesson focuses on how purpose and point of view change the delivery of information.

An introduction to 'voice' in literature, using Sandra Cisneros's 'The House on Mango Street' as a primary text. Students learn to identify word choice and sentence structure that contribute to a narrator's unique personality.

A lesson where students learn to 'diagnose' and 'treat' common writing issues in their personal essays using the ARMS and CUPS strategies. Students practice on a sample 'sick' essay before operating on their own preassessment drafts.

A comprehensive lesson on narrative sentence variation focusing on varied beginnings, sentence combining, length modulation, and descriptive clauses. Students move from identifying monotone rhythms to crafting dynamic, flowing prose.

A lesson focused on the life of Selena Quintanilla, using the past tense to analyze how an author's diction and syntax build mood and tone in a biographical text.

A writing workshop for 6th-7th grade students focused on creating suspense and mood through sensory details and pacing, using the 'Misty Woods' mystery genre video as a foundation.

Students will learn to use prepositions of time (at, by, until, for, etc.) to create clear chronology in a creative narrative about rescuing Prince Wilbur from a magical curse. The lesson includes a presentation, a creative writing activity, and an assessment rubric themed around becoming a 'Time Wizard'.

An analytical lesson for 6th-grade students focused on how sentence structure and pacing create suspense, featuring a 'Pacing Doctor' activity based on techniques from 'Genre Reflections: Creating a Literary Genre Project'.

A gamified review lesson where students complete 'trials' to demonstrate their mastery of literary genres and devices, inspired by the quest to defeat the Shadow of Monotony.

Students will use signal words to identify cause-and-effect relationships within a text and practice 'flipping' sentence structures to change emphasis while maintaining meaning.

Students explore syntax by expanding simple subjects and predicates into complex sentences, using a 'building box' metaphor inspired by Khan Academy. The lesson includes a presentation for the whiteboard, a hands-on expansion worksheet, and a teacher's guide for facilitating the expansion rounds.

Students explore the concept of language register and code-switching by comparing formal and informal communication. They will watch a video, analyze key differences in vocabulary and tone, and perform role-play skits demonstrating how to adjust their speech for different audiences.

Students will learn to use rhyme strategies and meter to compose a four-line quatrain. The lesson uses a 'Dumpling Dojo' theme to engage students in writing poetry that 'wakes the guardians' through consistent rhythm and rhyme.

A lesson where students use coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) to combine simple sentences into compound sentences through a 'Sentence Bridge' activity and a mnemonic song.

A comprehensive lesson on building strong argumentative essays, focusing on thesis construction, evidence integration, and addressing counter-arguments through the 'Debate Lab' theme.

A detective-themed lesson focusing on identifying the main idea, topic, and supporting details in complex texts, aligned with SPIRE Level 5 concepts.

The culmination of the sequence. Students use all the 'Building Block' skills to write a complete, structured paragraph on a topic of their choice with minimal scaffolding.

Focuses on the final part of the paragraph: the conclusion. Students learn to 'seal' their writing by restating their main idea in a new way and providing a final thought that protects the whole structure.

Focuses on the 'bridge' of the paragraph: the explanation. Students learn to explain why their evidence supports their main idea, using sentence frames like 'This shows that...' to build deeper meaning.

Focuses on the 'bricks' of a paragraph: evidence and supporting details. Students learn how to select relevant information and introduce it using formal evidence frames.

Focuses on the logical sequence of a paragraph. Students learn to use transition words to connect their foundation to their supporting details, ensuring the 'building' has clear paths and structure.

Focuses on the foundation of a paragraph: the topic sentence. Students learn to identify main ideas and craft clear, focused opening statements using sentence frames and expansion techniques.

Concludes the book club by examining the resolution and the characters' transition to a sanctuary. Students synthesize the entire story to write a final analysis of Ivan's growth and the story's theme.

Covers Ivan's creative plan to save Ruby through his art and the rising action as he works with Julia to communicate his message. Students analyze the power of storytelling and persistence.

Explores the arrival of Ruby and the passing of Stella, focusing on the turning point where Ivan makes a life-changing promise. Students analyze how character motivations shift in response to new plot events.

Introduces students to Ivan, Stella, and Bob at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall, focusing on character traits and the initial setting of the novel. Students define Ivan's 'silverback' identity and begin tracking his motivations.

Students synthesize information from multiple texts to create a comprehensive comparison and write a final evidentiary paragraph.

Students learn about hurricanes and practice organizing information into a structured paragraph with a clear topic sentence, supporting details, and a conclusion.

Students explore the science of tornadoes while focusing on identifying key details and mastering domain-specific vocabulary.

This lesson guides students through the process of crafting topic sentences that directly respond to a writing prompt about Wilma Rudolph's perseverance. It emphasizes the integration of prompt language, previews of text evidence, and the foundation for analytical explanation.

An engaging introduction to opinion writing using a pop star theme, featuring a complete model paragraph about Beyoncé and guided practice for writing topic sentences.

A lesson focused on analyzing Melba's evolving perspective on her role in the integration of Central High School in 'Warriors Don't Cry', specifically designed for 6th grade students with lower reading and writing levels.

A comprehensive review lesson using an 8-paragraph, 1200 Lexile passage to practice all previously learned structures and elements.

Explores descriptive text structure and how diagrams clarify complex anatomical and functional information.

A character analysis and creative writing lesson centered on the Straw Hat Pirates from One Piece. Students will explore character motivations, roles, and traits while developing their own unique additions to the crew.

An engaging figurative language enrichment activity for students who finish assignments early, focusing on simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and idioms.

A lesson focused on post-SSR reading comprehension through daily reflection and choice-based activities across four key skill areas.

Students will master the -dge spelling pattern, learning when to use it (after short vowels) and applying these words in sophisticated sentences and short narratives. This lesson is designed for 6th-grade ESE students who need high-interest, age-appropriate content.

A comprehensive collection of 100 creative writing prompts designed to spark middle schoolers' imagination, self-reflection, and critical thinking across six key themes.

A resource kit for teachers to track and support student progress across three distinct tiers of mastery, specifically tailored for Narrative Writing skills.

A creative writing application where students rewrite a narrative passage from a different perspective, using a tone checklist and structured scaffold to demonstrate mastery of voice.

Students compare a narrative account of cultural identity with an informational news article to analyze how different perspectives and formats shape the delivery of a shared theme.

An introduction to literary voice using excerpts from The House on Mango Street, focusing on word choice and sentence structure as tools for building character personality.

A creative writing application where students rewrite a passage from a new perspective. Includes scaffolds for tone and sentence structure, concluding with a formal rubric for assessment.

Students compare different perspectives on the same topic by analyzing a narrative excerpt from Jason Reynolds and a paired news article. The lesson focuses on how purpose and point of view change the delivery of information.

An introduction to 'voice' in literature, using Sandra Cisneros's 'The House on Mango Street' as a primary text. Students learn to identify word choice and sentence structure that contribute to a narrator's unique personality.

A fast-paced creative writing lesson exploring extended metaphors through Carol Ann Duffy's 'Valentine'. Students deconstruct unconventional imagery and draft their own anti-cliché love poems.

A comprehensive lesson guiding students from the history and purpose of slam poetry through writing original verses to performing with impact and giving constructive peer feedback.

A 30-minute introductory lesson on figurative language where students become 'language detectives' to identify and create similes, metaphors, and more.

Students explore the foundational elements of narrative writing through close reading and analysis of a mentor text, focusing on character motivation and sensory descriptions.

A comprehensive introduction to figurative language for 6th graders, exploring eight key devices through the lens of a "Word Factory" where language is manufactured for maximum impact.

Covers the resolution of the story, character growth, and the ultimate lesson learned by the 'Man with the Plan'.

Tracks the execution of the heist, focusing on pacing, suspense, and the climax of the novel.

Analyzes the logistical planning of the heist and the internal conflicts that arise within the group.

A lesson focused on helping students master the criteria for successful argumentative writing using a student-friendly checklist based on state-aligned rubrics.

This lesson guides students through an analysis of Día de Muertos, focusing on the cultural significance, historical roots, and identity-affirming power of the tradition. Students will practice synthesizing information from multiple paragraphs to construct a meaningful written response about resilience and memory.

Students explore their unique personality traits and strengths to prepare for an 'All About Me' essay using a visual brainstorming web.

A comprehensive lesson on building strong argumentative essays, focusing on thesis construction, evidence integration, and addressing counter-arguments through the 'Debate Lab' theme.

A lesson focused on post-SSR reading comprehension through daily reflection and choice-based activities across four key skill areas.

This lesson guides students through the structural 'blueprints' of Extended Constructed Responses (ECR), covering both informational and argumentative modes with a focus on thesis development, evidence selection, and paragraph organization.

A specialized set of professional SMART goals and evaluative tools for middle school teachers focusing on Literature and Informational reading standards. Includes SLO planners, professional goal banks, and proficiency scales for data-driven instruction.

In this lesson, students will master identifying and using main ideas and supporting details through the lens of investigative journalism. They will build a technical vocabulary to describe how authors construct arguments and narratives.

A high-energy lesson where students use role-playing 'clashes' to brainstorm and structure argumentative essay outlines. Students will practice verbalizing claims, evidence, and rebuttals before committing them to a formal battle plan.

A lesson focused on identifying text structures using visual scaffolding, signal words, and sentence starters designed for English Language Learners.

A comprehensive lesson teaching 6th graders how to use graphic organizers (Cornell notes, mind maps, and T-charts) to organize information effectively. Includes a detailed lesson plan, a visual anchor chart, and guided practice worksheets.

A comprehensive lesson on crafting effective concluding paragraphs, focusing on restating thesis statements, summarizing main points without adding new info, and achieving the ideal length of 4-6 sentences.

Students research an influential Black icon and argue for their recognition through a national holiday. This lesson focuses on research skills, thesis development, and the Short Constructed Response (SCR) format.

A comprehensive guide to building strong opinion paragraphs using the OREO method, designed with visual supports for 6th-grade special education students.

A resource kit for teachers to track and support student progress across three distinct tiers of mastery, specifically tailored for Narrative Writing skills.

The culmination of the sequence. Students use all the 'Building Block' skills to write a complete, structured paragraph on a topic of their choice with minimal scaffolding.

Focuses on the final part of the paragraph: the conclusion. Students learn to 'seal' their writing by restating their main idea in a new way and providing a final thought that protects the whole structure.

Focuses on the 'bridge' of the paragraph: the explanation. Students learn to explain why their evidence supports their main idea, using sentence frames like 'This shows that...' to build deeper meaning.

Focuses on the 'bricks' of a paragraph: evidence and supporting details. Students learn how to select relevant information and introduce it using formal evidence frames.

Focuses on the logical sequence of a paragraph. Students learn to use transition words to connect their foundation to their supporting details, ensuring the 'building' has clear paths and structure.

A lesson focused on helping students master the criteria for successful argumentative writing using a student-friendly checklist based on state-aligned rubrics.

Students explore their unique personality traits and strengths to prepare for an 'All About Me' essay using a visual brainstorming web.

A comprehensive lesson on building strong argumentative essays, focusing on thesis construction, evidence integration, and addressing counter-arguments through the 'Debate Lab' theme.

This lesson guides students through the structural 'blueprints' of Extended Constructed Responses (ECR), covering both informational and argumentative modes with a focus on thesis development, evidence selection, and paragraph organization.

A comprehensive lesson on crafting effective concluding paragraphs, focusing on restating thesis statements, summarizing main points without adding new info, and achieving the ideal length of 4-6 sentences.

The culmination of the sequence. Students use all the 'Building Block' skills to write a complete, structured paragraph on a topic of their choice with minimal scaffolding.

Focuses on the final part of the paragraph: the conclusion. Students learn to 'seal' their writing by restating their main idea in a new way and providing a final thought that protects the whole structure.

Focuses on the 'bridge' of the paragraph: the explanation. Students learn to explain why their evidence supports their main idea, using sentence frames like 'This shows that...' to build deeper meaning.

Focuses on the 'bricks' of a paragraph: evidence and supporting details. Students learn how to select relevant information and introduce it using formal evidence frames.

Focuses on the logical sequence of a paragraph. Students learn to use transition words to connect their foundation to their supporting details, ensuring the 'building' has clear paths and structure.

Focuses on the foundation of a paragraph: the topic sentence. Students learn to identify main ideas and craft clear, focused opening statements using sentence frames and expansion techniques.

A comprehensive lesson for middle schoolers on mastering the art of the argumentative hook, covering four distinct strategies to grab a reader's attention and bridge to a strong claim.

Students synthesize information from multiple texts to create a comprehensive comparison and write a final evidentiary paragraph.

Students learn about hurricanes and practice organizing information into a structured paragraph with a clear topic sentence, supporting details, and a conclusion.

Students explore the science of tornadoes while focusing on identifying key details and mastering domain-specific vocabulary.

A mini-lesson focused on the art of crafting narrative endings that effectively resolve conflict and showcase character growth and reflection. Students learn to move beyond simply 'stopping' a story to 'finishing' it with a meaningful theme or lesson learned.

Focuses on writing a high-tension introduction for a Choose Your Own Adventure story that culminates in a critical survival decision based on animal defense mechanisms.

An engaging introduction to opinion writing using a pop star theme, featuring a complete model paragraph about Beyoncé and guided practice for writing topic sentences.

A comprehensive set of tools to help elementary students master the structure and clarity of explanatory writing, focusing on strong thesis statements, evidence-based supporting details, and logical coherence.

This lesson prepares students for MCAS-style writing tasks by focusing on reading comprehension and the craft of writing strong focus statements. Students will analyze an informational text, respond to an essay prompt, and participate in three targeted activities to master the 'focus statement' - the engine of a high-scoring essay.

A lesson focused on helping students master the criteria for successful argumentative writing using a student-friendly checklist based on state-aligned rubrics.

This lesson guides students through the structural 'blueprints' of Extended Constructed Responses (ECR), covering both informational and argumentative modes with a focus on thesis development, evidence selection, and paragraph organization.

Students will learn to identify and craft effective counterclaims and rebuttals to strengthen their argumentative writing. The lesson uses a 'combat' metaphor to make the components of an argument memorable and engaging.

A lesson focused on identifying text structures using visual scaffolding, signal words, and sentence starters designed for English Language Learners.

A comprehensive guide to building strong opinion paragraphs using the OREO method, designed with visual supports for 6th-grade special education students.

The culmination of the sequence. Students use all the 'Building Block' skills to write a complete, structured paragraph on a topic of their choice with minimal scaffolding.

Focuses on the final part of the paragraph: the conclusion. Students learn to 'seal' their writing by restating their main idea in a new way and providing a final thought that protects the whole structure.

Focuses on the 'bridge' of the paragraph: the explanation. Students learn to explain why their evidence supports their main idea, using sentence frames like 'This shows that...' to build deeper meaning.

Focuses on the 'bricks' of a paragraph: evidence and supporting details. Students learn how to select relevant information and introduce it using formal evidence frames.

Focuses on the logical sequence of a paragraph. Students learn to use transition words to connect their foundation to their supporting details, ensuring the 'building' has clear paths and structure.

Focuses on the foundation of a paragraph: the topic sentence. Students learn to identify main ideas and craft clear, focused opening statements using sentence frames and expansion techniques.

A quick-hit 15-minute lesson focused on identifying and repairing run-on sentences using three primary correction methods. Students act as 'sentence mechanics' to tune up clunky writing.

A comprehensive lesson focused on identifying and correcting sentence fragments using the 'Three Question Test' and subordinating conjunctions. Students act as 'Sentence Mechanics' to repair incomplete thoughts.

An engaging introduction to opinion writing using a pop star theme, featuring a complete model paragraph about Beyoncé and guided practice for writing topic sentences.

A comprehensive set of tools to help elementary students master the structure and clarity of explanatory writing, focusing on strong thesis statements, evidence-based supporting details, and logical coherence.

A lesson focused on analyzing Melba's evolving perspective on her role in the integration of Central High School in 'Warriors Don't Cry', specifically designed for 6th grade students with lower reading and writing levels.

A comprehensive review lesson using an 8-paragraph, 1200 Lexile passage to practice all previously learned structures and elements.

Explores descriptive text structure and how diagrams clarify complex anatomical and functional information.

Focuses on sequential text structure and the use of maps to convey historical and geographical information.

Focuses on identifying main ideas and supporting details while analyzing the effectiveness of images in informational texts.