Group items tagged

Using mentor texts to examine, write, revise leads in writing

"Units of Study for Teaching Writing, Grades 3-5 offers crystal-clear advice on how to lead strong, efficient writing workshops in upper-elementary classrooms. "

In this lesson, students consider the educational value of video games by examining what books and video games have in common and debating whether playing video games leads to improved literacy skills.

"52 Ways to Write Interesting Leads or Introductions"

"I think it's about to happen again. Education is famous for wide swings of the pendulum. From code emphasis to meaning emphasis, from whole class to small group… and then back again. The "experts" find "the true answer" or begin to express doubt about or criticism of a widely accepted practice. Before you know it, everyone has jumped on the bandwagon. It's the lead article in all of the professional journals. It's the keynote address at conferences. Publishers rush to get out new materials. School districts scramble to write new curricula. Educational consultants offer new workshops. Teachers struggle to change their instructional practices. "

Even Nancie Atwell has experienced sticky note overkill!

These sites have tips and examples for writing strong leads for paragraphs and structuring personal narrative writing. Students can learn how to capture and hold their readers' attention. There are classroom activities, online quizzes and exercises, and ideas to help writers develop their skills. Includes links to eThemes on grammar and interactive writing activities.

Mini-lessons and the books that help to guide your teaching point

Fantastic list of mini-lessons and books