Articles by Alberto Contreras

10-Minute Argument Challenge!

In this activity, you will write a clear and convincing argumentative paragraph in just 10 minutes. Your goal is to take a given topic, form a strong claim, and support it with solid reasoning and evidence. You must choose the prompt that matches your birthdate. Example: If you were born on June 17, you will write using Prompt #17. Worksheet:

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Writing Technique: Drop the Reading into the Action #2

Strong writers often begin stories in the middle of the action. This technique grabs the reader’s attention immediately and pulls them into the story. Today, you will write a short story that starts the exact moment something happens. Do not explain what happened before. Do not describe the setting first. Your job is to drop the reader into the action and let them figure things out as the story unfolds. You are going to practice […]

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The Creative Teacher Newsletter

The Creative Teacher Newsletter “I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.” —  John Steinbeck ​ My Story After four years of teaching, I felt stuck. Professional development bored me. Student behavior drained me. I showed up, did what I […]

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20-Minute Story Master!

In this activity, you will write a creative story in just 20 minutes. Your goal is to take a simple prompt and turn it into a vivid, engaging piece of writing. You must choose the prompt that matches your birthdate. Worksheet:

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