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    Minilesson

    Using the Right Word

    Use the right word.

    an image of the recycling symbol

    Minilesson

    Combining Choppy Sentences

    Combine sentences for better flow.

    An image of the planet Venus

    Minilesson

    Discovering Narrative Strategies

    Use shared inquiry to develop personal narratives. 

    Illustration of boy writing his name in a frosty window

    Minilesson

    Discovering Rules for Their, There, and They’re

    Use shared inquiry to learn their, there, and they're.

    American barber pole

    Minilesson

    Sharing Fiction with a Partner

    Use shared inquiry to read fiction.

    Illustration of boy reading giant book

    Minilesson

    If I Were President

    Think about being president.

    If I Were President

    Minilesson

    Comparing Myself to a President

    Compare yourself to a president.

    Abraham Lincoln

    Minilesson

    If I Were a President's Pet

    Imagine being a president's pet.

    FDR quote

    Minilesson

    Writing a Historical Dialogue

    Create a dialogue with a historical figure.

    Minilesson

    Elaborating Sentences

    Add detail to sentences.

    Cheerleaders at a high school football game

    Minilesson

    Elaborating with Supporting Details

    Use a variety of details.

    Bridge support

    Minilesson

    Capturing Readers' Attention

    Use opening strategies.

    Photo of a gorilla

    Minilesson

    Answering Objections

    Address opposing positions.

    Photo of a protestor with a "no" sign

    Minilesson

    Defending Huck Finn

    Defend a fictional character in court.

    Huck Finn

    Minilesson

    Building Words

    Assemble prefixes, roots, and suffixes.
     

    Building Vocabulary

    Minilesson

    Answering Objections in Arguments

    Answer key objections to an argument.

    Illustration of figure pulling rope

    Minilesson

    Choosing the Right Coordinating Conjunction

    Learn how to choose precise connecting words. 

    Traffic Light

    Minilesson

    Elaborating Ideas with Compound Sentences

    Learn how to add new details to sentences. 

    Street Art

    Minilesson

    Labeling Your Feelings

    Calm your body and mind by voicing your feelings.

    Minilesson

    Punctuating Dialogue

    Teach quotation marks with end punctuation.
     

    Minilesson

    Using Signal Phrases

    Smoothy integrate sources in your writing. 

    Student Writing Model

    The Boy with Chris Pine Blue Eyes

    Tenth-grader Lisa’s voice comes through loud and clear in this model. The use of strong details and dialogue—including the author “talking” to herself—makes this a believable essay about a student’s first high school crush.

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Narrative Writing
    Form: 
    Personal Narrative
    Theme: 
    Love
    Friends
    Personality

    Student Writing Model

    Take Me to Casablanca

    The 9th-grade writer of this personal narrative, Emily, uses original word choice to effectively convey a vivid image of the people and environment she encountered on a trip to Africa. The opening paragraphs communicate a sense of excitement that, by the end of the trip, is reduced to disappointment, shock, and guilt.

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Narrative Writing
    Form: 
    Personal Narrative
    Theme: 
    Travel
    Culture
    Education
    Geography
    Transportation

    Student Writing Model

    My Greatest Instrument

    Lindsey, an adult who uses public speaking in her career, reflects on the childhood experiences that prepared her for success.

    Level: 
    Grade 9
    Grade 10
    Grade 11
    Grade 12
    Mode: 
    Narrative Writing
    Form: 
    Personal Narrative
    Theme: 
    Communication
    Goals
    Education
    Personality
    Self

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