Writing Letters-to-the-Editor
Students will incorporate writing skills with an awareness of public issues.
Lesson Plans
Combining Non-related Ideas with Creative Writing
An assortment of random images from magazines become the basis for a creative writing assignment.
Creative Writing Morphing
Have students construct a creative writing piece from old newspapers or magazines, using a random assortment of photos and pictures. Collages to accompany their writings make a nice wall display.
Newspaper/Magazine Activities
To jump-start creativity, keep a supply of old newspapers or magazines on hand. For information processing and communication exercises, students can write new captions for >>>
Project: Letters to Santa
Older and younger students will work cooperatively in using listening and writing skills, and learning proper procedure for mailing letters.
Hieroglyphic Art Project
As part of an Egyptian unit or Hieroglyphic study, have students create their own drawings to convey meaning.
Christmas Between the Lines: Creative Writing
A fun creative writing exercise that utilizes a theme and a list of related words that student aren’t allowed to use in their writing. Can easily be modified to work with many themes.
Non-Linear Writing
Non-linear writing as an introduction to footnotes and/or hyperlinks.
Setting Up A Writing Workshop
If reading seems to be going out the window due to television and computer time, it follows that writing might be close behind. Here are T2T Contributors’ suggestions for setting up a writing workshop.
Interactive Word Wall – Language Arts: Writing – Lesson Plan
A word wall is a systematically organized collection of words displayed in large letters on a wall or other large display place in the classroom. It is a tool to use, not just display. Word walls are designed to promote group learning and be shared by a classroom of children.
Word Walls: Beyond Spelling Words
Are your students still struggling with some of those spelling words from weeks ago? Are you interested in ways to introduce new vocabulary or encourage more “colorful” writing? With a little bit of planning beforehand, a word wall is not only a great use of bulletin board space, but an excellent learning tool for your students. According to T2T contributor, Sally Olson, “A word wall is a systematically organized collection of words displayed in large letters on a wall or other large display place in the classroom.” There really are no set “rules” for word walls and you will find plenty of variations on the idea. Below, contributors to our T2T mailing list share some of their ideas and opinions. Be sure to check out Sally Olson’s contribution as well, which includes 24 activities for word walls and a word list.
Character Education – Language Arts: Writing – Lesson Plan
This teaching exercise for fifth graders focuses on Character Education. They then teach a lesson to students in another grade. By T2T Contributor, Michelle Billingsly.
Spice Up Your Spelling Words
When rote doesn’t work, it’s time to reach into your bag of tricks to make spelling special. Third grade teacher Sally Engle is the inspiration for this list of interesting things to do with spelling words. Many of these exercises can be done at home, with a parent sending a note back that the words were completed.
This Is Me: A look at self-portraits for students
Self-portraits can go a long way toward covering many subject areas and, at the same time, giving students a creative outlet. Self-portraits are ideal during the first few weeks of school because the work a student does now can be reassigned at the end of the year for comparison. Lessons along the way in shading, shape, technique and perspective will yield a far different result in the second drawing. Your students may be amazed when they compare two self-portraits done months apart!
Trick or Treat or Share
Create a quick and easy game using index cards and some treats to share.