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My Mind is Blank
Investigate prewriting activities in this brainstorming lesson. Middle schoolers are divided into groups and are assigned a topic. They decide which prewriting technique to choose from, including free write, looping, brainstorming,...
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Definition Poems
“Hope is a tissue, wiping away your problems and fears.” Use a Definition Poem Web worksheet to model for your class how to craft a free verse poem based on an emotion. After brainstorming topics, groups use the sheet to make comparisons...
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Free Verse
Young scholars write free verse poems. In this poetry activity, students use a three-step method to create a free verse poem. Young scholars brainstorm ideas, let their ideas "incubate," and write a free verse poem.
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Characterization
Students draw pictures to generate ideas about a character. They use prewriting skills to plan written work. They then dictate or write detailed descriptions of familiar person, places, objects, or experiences.
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Science Fiction Stories
Learners review the story writing process and the elements such as prewriting, drafting, editing, revising, publishing, and assessment. Next students write a science fiction story that contains a title, the requested number of...
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Heart of Darkness
Students interpret the resolution of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. In this literature lesson, students discuss the ending of the novella and Conrad's intentions in ending it the way he did. Students then write alternative endings...
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A Garden of Verses: Poems About Class Gardens
Students explore botany by participating in a language arts activity. In this garden poetry lesson, students read the classic poem "Mary, Mary Quite Contrary" and discuss the imagery and rhyming methods used. Students examine their own...
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Accordion-Book Summary
Introduce your young readers to the book review. Groups of writers practice the basic steps of writing a book report and complete an Accordion-Book Summary activity. The lesson includes book report basics and directions to make...
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All About Me
Students explore autobiographical stories. They write about a personal experience that is significant and memorable. Students specifically explain the chosen events. They define autobiography and share their stories.
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Adventure Stories
Students write an adventure story that contains a title, as many sentences as possible, and a conclusion. On the peer and teacher assessment sheets, the number of sentences required are left blank so that the teacher may determine the...
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Alphabet Poem
Students create an alphabetized list about their favorite topic using the Alphabet Poem Brainstorming worksheet or creating a list on the board with the class. They think of a word that starts with their letters that relates to the...
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Diamante
Students read the word on their diamond and locate the student who has the diamond with the opposite of their diamond word. Once they have located their partner they will complete the diamond worksheet, following the directions in the...
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Intrigued with Yo-Yos!
Fifth graders review the writing process and complete a research activity. In this writing process lesson, 5th graders research yo-yos online and write a research paper about the topic.