Writing challenges are a great way of shaking things up. They also allow students to be creative with language. Here is an assortment of challenges I use with my students. Writing Challenges Ebook: Writing Challenges Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qL7A1ocDzXOEQgdvaA67QxN93M97EuHbns9EbxYpRGk/edit?usp=sharing

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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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Here is a warm-up activity that I use to get my students acting like editors. The goal is for students to focus on writing conventions (spelling, basic grammar, punctuation, and capitalization). If I can get my students to constantly edit their writing, and ask clarifying questions about language, then I am on the right track.  I have discovered that giving five quotes at a time works best (at least for my students). Keeping these activities […]

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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.  Here is […]

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Here is the “game plan” I follow the first week of school. I say “game plan” because few things in the classroom go exactly as planned. However, these ideas serve as my foundation for the first week. I hope this gives you some ideas you can use with your students. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_bqA35un8EpVCeaTcuz5qsTmbv45xRhSWLO_kqnlBL0/edit?usp=sharing

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Here is the survey I will be giving my students on the first day of school this year. I like to gather information about my students’ interests, and get them writing and discussing about something silly and light-hearted. Here is the Worksheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wbcU3hheumhiYNkN4ZrUoVQFerVGShVI/view?usp=share_link

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