When it comes to generating ideas, I have my students first stretch their thinking—then refine and condense it. Video Worksheet: Donate here:

Students need space to generate ideas. In fact, it’s only when they learn to uncover their unique, personal perspectives that I can truly begin to develop them as writers. The following task is one I plan to use randomly (yes, you heard that right). Not all of my lessons glide perfectly into each other. Sometimes, my students walk in, and I simply say, “Today, we’re working on ideas—so bring me fresh, innovative, and interesting ones.”

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Writing 20-word summaries is simple, but not easy. Condensing ideas into 20 words forces students to do two things: A. Focus on the key points of a text. B. Focus on precision with words. Here is the exact slip I give students after most of their readings. More 20-word summary activities here:

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