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Eloquent Speech
Second graders discover that oral and written communication can be improved, and made to sound more eloquent, when the following questions are addressed; Who? What? Where? When? Why? students use word processing to copy a poem using clip...
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Practical Writing in the Intermediate Grades
Students discuss lists of interesting topics on which to write. They explore those things that interest them, excite them and express themselves freely. They organize the value of their own thoughts and use their individual lists that...
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Description and Modifying: What's On Your Plate?
Students create a food product and an advertisement promoting it. In this description and advertising lesson, students read children's book for inspiration and discover advertising techniques. Students complete their ads and use...
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The Odyssey
Learners write a dramatic scene based on The Odyssey and perform it for the class. In this living literature lesson, students work in small groups to discuss the way the characters look, act, and sound. They then choose scenery and...
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Famous Kansans
Fourth graders research famous Kansans. In this language arts lesson, 4th graders select a famous Kansan and write a persuasive nomination for inclusion in a Hall of Fame.
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The Search for Identity: "Their Eyes Were Watching God"
Students read the novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God". While reading the novel, they identify and discuss the figurative language used and use a passage of interest to them and analyze it in a written paper. They also discuss events...
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From Graphic Organizer to Comparison
Fifth graders brainstorm a variety of topics for writing. As a class, learners create four types of graphic organizers on selected topics. They discuss how to use graphic organizer in constructing a written paragraph.
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Picture the Process!
Young scholars read "Chasing Vermeer," and then study the author's writing process. They make connections between the book and the author's real life experiences. They then write an original mystery story, following the writing process.
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Tutors & Readers Theater
Students complete literacy service learning projects. In this literacy instructional activity, older students work with younger students to tutor them in reading and writing. They help prepare a Readers Theater for the younger students.
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To Walt Whitman
Students examine the poem To Walt Whitman by Angela de Hoyos. They divide into groups. Each group creates a poem written from one of two perspectives: to Walt Whitman or to de Hoyos from Whitman.
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Pumpkin Web
First graders use the software program, Kidspiration, to create a web. They listen to the book, The Biggest Pumpkin Ever and discuss what they know about pumpkins. They use words that were listed on the board during the discussion to...
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"How To Build A Snowman" Expository Writing
Fourth graders write a "how to..." or an expository essay on building a snowman. They practice giving directions by explaining how to draw a person using shapes without mentioning that it's a person being drawn. They revise through the...
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All About Me
Learners 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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Drafting and Revising Essays
Learners draft and revise essays. They share their essays with their partner. Based on the feedback they receive, they revise their essays for clarity, purpose, and tone. They proofread their essays, fixing errors in spelling, grammar,...
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Writing From Experience (Grades 7-12)
Students brainstorm in preparation for writing an expressive essay. They review their responses to 'Writing from Experience' and write notes and brainstorm other ideas or details for their essays. They take turns illustrating their life...
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Writing First Drafts (Grades 3-6)
Learners examine, experience and practice strategies that assist students in writing an expressive essay. They outline and then write a first draft of an essay to be edited and proofed and then corrected. Each student adds a visual prop...
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Outlining Essays (Grades 3-6)
Students brainstorm story idea in preparation of writing an expressive essay. They study how to outline essays to assist them in writing an expressive essay. Each students conclusion should summarize their main idea and restate their...
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Autobiographical Writing About Memories
Learners reflect on fall memories in preparation for creating an autobiographical composition. In this composition instructional activity, students explore how many writers use the changing seasons, fall in particular, to describe a...
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My Pyramid - Preparing for a Journey
Learners create a three paragraph paper. In this Ancient Egypt lesson, students write a paper about what treasures they would put in their pyramid for their Ka to take on its journey. They also do a hieroglyph or their name, a sketch of...
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My Trip to America
Students create their own stories about a trip to America, based on an oral reading. Student stories be compiled for a class Thanksgiving book.
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What's for Dinner? (Using Adjectives)
Sixth graders use adjectives to describe foods listed in restaurant menus. In cooperative groups, 6th graders create menus and identify the adjectives used in the menu created by their group.
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Narrative Writing Outline
Students explore the elements of a narrative for its purpose, type of audience, mood, main character, minor characters, setting, and conflicts in the story. A story outline is developed and a five paragraph essay composed in this lesson...
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Self-portrait Poem
Students practice naming various features or parts of their bodies using similes and vivid adjectives. The format is extended to poetic expressions as they develop a self-portrait and extend the creative experience through art.
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Emotion Similes
Young scholars define what a simile is before writing a poem that is based primarily on similes. They brainstorm and write the poem using the give format. They write drafts, revise and present a final poem.