Objectives of the Lesson:
Students will be able to construct a brainstorming web for a given topic.
Students will be able to utilize a four square graphic organizer to plan descriptive techniques in an informative/expository essay.
Target Grade Level: All levels
Keys Concepts: Writing Process, prewriting, drafting, revising, editing
When I first began teaching in the 1990s, “Writing Process” or “The Writing Process” was familiar jargon in the language arts classroom. However, it wasn’t until I went through a California Writing Project Summer Invitational that I began to fully understand, internalize and embrace a process approach to teaching writing.
A few years later, when I started working as a teacher consultant in school districts throughout Southern California, the mere mention of “Writing Process” was sure to spark a heated debate. Teachers loved it or hated it. Some saw process writing as the only way to teach; others saw it as a waste of time and a “feel good” approach that didn’t accomplish anything. I quickly assessed that those who had a strong aversion to process writing simply didn’t understand it, and I enjoyed the challenge of showing them what process writing actually is. (more…)
Duration: 3 class periods of 45-55 Minutes
Printable: The Giver Lesson Plan (PDF)
The Giver by Lois Lowry Intellimetric Prompt:
After experiencing the feeling of love from the Giver and his memories, Jonas thought about the way life must have been when there was love and realized it was probably a “dangerous way to live.” Think about what Jonas meant. What was “dangerous” about that kind of life, and what was a “safe” life like? What were the advantages and disadvantages of each choice? (more…)
Duration: 3 class periods of 45-55 minutes
Adaptations: High School (9-12) “Recommending Literature” Prompt, Persuasive Writing
Printable: “Banning Books” Lesson Plan (PDF)
Banning Books Prompt:
Some members of your school board want to ban certain books from the public library. They feel that these books contain topics unsuitable for young readers. Do you agree that some kinds of books should be banned from the library? Do you disagree? Write a letter to your school board persuading the members that these books should be banned or that these books should not be banned. (more…)
Target Grade Level: All levels
Keys Concepts: Writing Process, prewriting, drafting, revising, editing
Contributed by: Stephanie Binckes. Stephanie Binckes is a former high school English and ELD teacher. As a fellow of the California Writing Project, she has worked as a writing coach and mentor throughout her state. She wrote this article to help teachers re-envision MY Access!® as a powerful tool that can be used to support students throughout the composition process.
I vividly remember the first essay, a literary response prompt about The Miracle Worker, I assigned as a new teacher. As a class, we’d both read and watched the play, discussed it extensively, and completed hands-on projects; I didn’t think one small essay would be a problem. I blithely handed out the assignment, told my students to write, and collected their work on the due date. It was that simple-until I actually began to read their writing.
Tailoring a Narrative IntelliMetric™ Prompt: A Customized MY Access! ® Lesson on Daniel Keyes’ “Flowers for Algernon.”
Target Grade Level: Middle School
Time: 2-3 class periods
Keys Concepts: Narrative writing, Writing Process, Point of View, Character Analysis, Prompt Customization.
Contributed by: Stephanie Dixon. Stephanie Dixon is a former 8th grade English teacher, user of MY Access!, and TOSA (teacher on special assignment) support provider for teachers using MY Access! within her district. She used the following lesson with her students and was extremely pleased with their deep, insightful, and polished responses. She hopes that this lesson will connect with your students in the same way that it did with hers.
“Flowers for Algernon,” by Daniel Keyes, is a novella that is commonly taught in middle school English classrooms across the country. The story is creatively written as a series of journal entries composed by the main character, Charlie Gordon, who undergoes experimental surgery in an attempt to increase his extremely low IQ. As the story progresses and Charlie’s intelligence grows, he begins to accomplish tasks that were impossible for him to complete prior to his surgery. Perhaps for the first time in his life, Charlie experiences moments where he feels proud of himself. (more…)