Writing a Mystery Story

Never again will you need to worry about coming up with a writing prompt! This packet contains, as it says, 501 prompts that are suitable for fourth graders on up. The prompts are paired into four categories (persuasive, expository,...

"It was a dark and stormy night . . " Here's a great way to get kids started on their who-done-its—a whole packet of story starters awaits young mystery writers.

Investigate the beginnings of the detective fiction genre through a discussion and writing assignment related to Edgar Allan Poe's "The Purloined Letter." Class members converse about the elements of the story and then compose brief...

It can be difficult to find the theme of a book or story if you don't know the questions to ask. Teach your kids to discern the universal theme in works of literature with a set of activities that promote critical thinking and active...

Ah, the dreaded college application essay. Here's a unique approach to crafting a powerful personal essay. Class members read The Autobiography of Malcom X and Leslie Marmon Silko's Yellow Woman and a Beauty of the Spirit, analyze the...

Viewing Tent City launches a study of the frame story and how authors use this format to draw attention to their theme. The richly detailed plan from Futurestates Community Classroom includes pre-viewing activities, discussion questions,...

Passages from Tracy Chevalier's Girl with a Pearl Earring, Ayn Rand's Anthem, Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology, and Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game provide class members with an opportunity to examine how an author's choice of...

"If you could un-invent something what would it be?" "What are you more comfortable with—routine or spontaneity?" Here's a packet of one-a-day writing prompts. Although designed for fifth graders, the topics are appropriate for any grade...

Here's a fresh approach to the dreaded college application personal narrative. The Autobiography of Malcolm X is the anchor text for a unit, that through modeling and guided practice exercises, encourages not only the development of...

The third in a three-part series of exercises uses close-reading strategies to help readers develop their skills for comprehending complex text. Groups examine Eugene Robert Richee's photo portrait of Louise Brooks, considered the...