If you would like a concise overview of MLA formatting, this two-page handout provides it. It addresses page layout, parenthetical citations, and works cited (including when and how to use ellipses to indicate an omission), but it does...

After a concise explanation of verb inconsistency, learners study detailed examples and then rewrite a series of sentences to eliminate tense inconsistencies. An answer key is provided. The worksheet could be used as part of a mini...

The term curricula vitae might sound more sophisticated than the term resumes, but that doesn't mean it's the preferred document to send to potential employers. As explained in a handout on curricula vitae (CV) versus resumes, part of a...

Students listen to Picnic In October and Memory Coat to explore the concept of memoirs. They interview a family member and write a personal memoir that reflects their own family history.

Students examine news headlines and create very brief news pieces in the style of news tickers. They write papers reflecting upon these experiences and on the value of concisely written news reports.

Third graders create original design directions. Each student creates a design and composes directions for re-creating it. Then, when students form pairs, they take turns drawing from one another's written directions.

The documentary, The Legendary King of San Miguel Island, introduces the fascinating tale of Herb Lester, his family, and their life on San Miguel Island. Viewers have an opportunity to expand their study of the island and of...

This PowerPoint addresses how to avoid run-on sentences. The slides contain examples of these types of errors and how to avoid them. The run-on sentence rules that are given are clear and concise, and are geared towards the upper grades....

Fourteen questions about photosynthesis are presented for life science learners. First, they write out the names of compounds involved in the process. They answer a few questions, and then fill in the blanks. This concise assignment...

"It is my lady, O, It is my Love!" Provide class members an opportunity to develop their skills reading difficult text with an exercise that focuses on the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet (Act II, scene ii). Using the provided...

Jacque's soliloquy from Act II, scene ii of As You Like It sets the stage for a close reading exercise that models how to approach difficult, dense text and enables readers to practice reading comprehension and analysis...

This is a fantastic resource for teachers to have in their tool belts upon entering into the world of using Google Docs in the classroom! It is a reference sheet with step-by-step instructions and graphics for everything from basic...

In this sentence revision worksheet, students rewrite each sentence to eliminate wordiness. Students are encouraged to use shorter, more concise terms and make each word meaningful in the sentences.

Students, after an introduction to Shakespeare's "Othello," compare/contrast the themes in the play to today's society. In addition, they write their own script for the play of "Othello" based on predictions of what they think will...

Students are introduced to news writing being a concise, factual, and informative type of writing. They assess that publishing an article in a newspaper style utilizes a word processing program. Each student researches the Titanic and...

Students practice and explain the importance of giving and listening to clear and concise directions.

Students practice and explain the importance of giving and listening to clear and concise directions.

Students assume the role of a newspaper editor during the time of the Titanic disaster. They must search out the accurate answers to the questions: What? When? Where? Who? and Why? students then write their own newspaper article...

In this writing exercise, students are given five pairs of sentences and are asked to combine each set to make one concise sentence.

Students study the various patriotic symbols which represent America. They choose one, research its history, and write a report about it. They make a drawing of the symbol and use the drawing in a PowerPoint presentation for the rest of...

Students write a non-chronological report about wolves. They read and discuss wolf fact cards in small groups, complete a KWL chart, observe the teacher model the steps of writing a report, and conduct research and write an original...

Students recognize poetic devices including rhyme, syllabification, and meter. They identify the characteristics of a nonsense poem and of a limerick. They write their own limericks.

First graders complete a variety of activities about fall. They study a plant's life cycle and what happens to plants in the fall. They make leaf rubbings and discuss seed dispersal. They write a creative story about a seed and visit a...