Many of my students are intimidated by “big words.” I found that if I focused on one word a day, and allowed students to experiment with words via low-stakes writing prompts, the intimidation disappeared. The purpose of these activities is for students to play and experiment with language. One word a day is not the most “efficient” system for learning vocabulary. However, one word a day allows students to build momentum and confidence. For students […]
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Rhetorical Devices
Here is an assortment of video lessons on rhetorical devices. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S-x3VRGy0cuTaKTsV7gupIZZqZ91dHVsKEHOoslkpoE/edit?usp=sharing Google Doc of Rhetorical Devices
Read MoreCreate Your Own Learning Unit
The following system is designed for students to be self-directed learners.Students create their own essential question, take interactive notes on that question, formulate a thesis statement in response to their notes, then write an argumentative essay that caters to their thesis statement. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CeI3EgXDWKQ60B1-qKi8Pe11DSwB3MSfxrmjHT1Dslc/edit?usp=sharing Here is the Google Doc for the Unit
Read MoreSpelling Activities
Every so often I will give my students a “spelling challenge.” It’s random, but fun. The winning student(s) get candy. It is a great way to change things up a bit–and surprise students. Here are the activities I use. Students just need a sheet of paper and a pencil. Here is the Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UaLp5V_Fr-C_kRIt-DiN9QKiunJRA3PR2fNgNUnlRFA/edit?usp=sharing
Read MoreWriter’s Tone
Here are four activities I use when teaching my students about a writer’s tone. Hope they help! Google Doc of Activities: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-UNL9ukop0rB87Z79uUigHkytQIMiU6ygLUxsyyUeyY/edit?usp=sharing
Read MoreRhetorical Appeals (Ethos, Pathos, Logos)
Here is an ebook of activities that I use to introduce my students to rhetorical appeals. Hope it helps! Here is the Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1csuWOcruvpEjLH5SOsUSzv64OfYP5WEGgOQbZzViLS4/edit?usp=sharing
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