Tolentino Teaching https://briantolentino.com Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:19:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 20-Minute Story Master #2 https://briantolentino.com/20-minute-story-master-2/ https://briantolentino.com/20-minute-story-master-2/#respond Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:34:11 +0000 https://briantolentino.com/?p=14074 20-Minute Story Master #2Download ]]> https://briantolentino.com/20-minute-story-master-2/feed/ 0 500-Word Freewrite Challenge https://briantolentino.com/500-word-freewrite-challenge/ https://briantolentino.com/500-word-freewrite-challenge/#respond Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:34:34 +0000 https://briantolentino.com/?p=14069 In this activity, you will write a 500-word free response that showcases your ability to think deeply and communicate clearly.

You will choose ONE of the prompts below and write a minimum of 500 words in response.

Your writing should:

  • Present a clear central idea (this can be implied or directly stated)
  • Develop your thinking with specific examples, reasoning, or reflection
  • Maintain focus and organization throughout
  • Demonstrate control of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure

Worksheet:

500-Word Free Write ChallengeDownload
]]> https://briantolentino.com/500-word-freewrite-challenge/feed/ 0 The 10 Random Things Story Challenge! https://briantolentino.com/the-10-random-things-story-challenge-3/ https://briantolentino.com/the-10-random-things-story-challenge-3/#respond Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:02:00 +0000 https://briantolentino.com/?p=14065 Worksheet:

The “10 Random Things Story ChallengeDownload
]]> https://briantolentino.com/the-10-random-things-story-challenge-3/feed/ 0 Hot Take Challenge! https://briantolentino.com/hot-take-challenge/ https://briantolentino.com/hot-take-challenge/#respond Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:08:56 +0000 https://briantolentino.com/?p=14061 In this activity, you will be assigned a “hot take” to defend. Your task is to fully commit to the position you are given—even if you personally disagree. Challenge yourself to think critically, see different perspectives, and build the strongest argument possible.

Worksheet:

Hot Take ChallengeDownload
]]> https://briantolentino.com/hot-take-challenge/feed/ 0 “Would You Rather” Challenge! https://briantolentino.com/would-you-rather-challenge/ https://briantolentino.com/would-you-rather-challenge/#respond Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:25:43 +0000 https://briantolentino.com/?p=14057 Worksheet:

“Would You Rather” ChallengeDownload
]]> https://briantolentino.com/would-you-rather-challenge/feed/ 0 The Great Lock-In Challenge:  Finish The School Year Strong! https://briantolentino.com/the-great-lock-in-challenge-finish-the-school-year-strong/ https://briantolentino.com/the-great-lock-in-challenge-finish-the-school-year-strong/#respond Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:19:33 +0000 https://briantolentino.com/?p=14053 The Goal: From now until the final day of school, you are entering “The Great Lock-In” — a commitment to finish the school year with focus, discipline, and purpose.

Worksheet:

The Great Lock-In Challenge Finish The School Year StrongDownload
]]> https://briantolentino.com/the-great-lock-in-challenge-finish-the-school-year-strong/feed/ 0 10-Minute Argument Challenge! https://briantolentino.com/10-minute-argument-challenge/ https://briantolentino.com/10-minute-argument-challenge/#respond Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:38:00 +0000 https://briantolentino.com/?p=14049 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:

10-Minute Argument ChallengeDownload
]]> https://briantolentino.com/10-minute-argument-challenge/feed/ 0 Who I am as a Reader and Writer https://briantolentino.com/who-i-am-as-a-reader-and-writer/ https://briantolentino.com/who-i-am-as-a-reader-and-writer/#respond Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:54:06 +0000 https://briantolentino.com/?p=14046 This reflection will be shared with your parent/guardian during conferences. Your goal is to clearly explain:

  • The kind of reader you are
  • The kind of writer you are
  • What you do well
  • What you are working on
  • How you will improve

Worksheets

Who I am as a Reader and WriterDownload
]]> https://briantolentino.com/who-i-am-as-a-reader-and-writer/feed/ 0 Writing Challenge: The Power of Fire https://briantolentino.com/writing-challenge-the-power-of-fire/ https://briantolentino.com/writing-challenge-the-power-of-fire/#respond Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:59:40 +0000 https://briantolentino.com/?p=14042 Worksheet:

Writing Challenge The Power of FireDownload
]]> https://briantolentino.com/writing-challenge-the-power-of-fire/feed/ 0 Writing Technique: Drop the Reading into the Action #2 https://briantolentino.com/writing-technique-drop-the-reading-into-the-action-2/ https://briantolentino.com/writing-technique-drop-the-reading-into-the-action-2/#respond Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:26:22 +0000 https://briantolentino.com/?p=14038 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 this technique by choosing ONE of the opening lines below. Then you are going to use this line as the starting point for your creative story.

  • “Run!” someone screamed, but I didn’t move.
  • The lights flickered, and everything went silent.
  • I grabbed the bag and bolted for the exit.
  • Something was breathing behind me.
  • The message on my phone made my stomach drop.
  • The floor gave out beneath my feet.

Worksheet:

Writing Technique Drop the Reader Into the Action #2Download
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