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Search ThoughtfulLearning.com for a wealth of resources for teaching English language arts, 21st century skills, and social-emotional learning. You’ll find books, online units, minilessons, student models, videos, and much more! Type your search below and add filters to refine the results.
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Student Writing Model
Hang Up and Drive
A surprise comparison opens this editorial by eighth grade student Jessie, drawing readers in. Her position on the subject becomes evident early in the essay.
Student Writing Model
A Cowboy's Journal
Eighth grader Shelley imagines she is a cowboy in the old West as she writes this journal entry. She includes historical details that add a realistic touch to the writing.
Student Writing Model
Limadastrin
A response to literature can take many forms other than a book report. Sixth-grader Mark decided to respond in a poem patterned after the poetry he read in the Redwall series of fantasy books. (These stories are about peace-loving small animals who exhibit human characteristics in a medieval setting, facing day-to-day struggles of good versus evil, life versus death.) The author of the Redwall books never mentions where the “Badger lords” come from, so Mark created this fictional place called Limadastrin and describes how one would find it.
Student Writing Model
The Best Little Girl in the World
The voice of Joanna, the author of this book review, comes through as she reveals her concern for teenagers’ vulnerability to eating disorders..
Student Writing Model
Summer: 15 Days or 2 1/2 Months?
Jordan wants to have a nice, long summer at the end of seventh grade; her persuasive essay makes that quite evident with several points that support her opinion through the use of statistics, comparison, and expert testimony.
Student Writing Model
Cheating in America
In this problem and solution essay, sixth-grade writer Nicholas grabs the reader’s attention with some “shocking statistics” that identify the problem. The essay closes with some possible solutions as well as a point to ponder.
Student Writing Model
Friendship
Five paragraphs in the body of this essay—one for each of the senses—provide a clear organization pattern that is easy for the reader to understand. Note that each of the five paragraphs begins with a sentence that repeats the same, simple pattern. This repetition of a sentence pattern provides unity. The use of an extended metaphor—comparing friendship to the making and baking of bread—works quite well and shows that Nate, the sixth grade writer of this essay, is willing to take creative risks.
Student Writing Model
The Great Paw Paw
Charlotte, the seventh-grade writer of this model, organizes her essay into paragraphs that describe different aspects of her subject. The closing leaves the reader with a clear idea of the important place her grandfather holds in her memory.
Student Writing Model
Giving Life
This is a very moving narrative about a difficult experience. Sharing what she learned from this friendship makes an effective conclusion.
Student Writing Model
The Racist Warehouse
This personal narrative by eighth-grader Alicia presents an engaging voice. Read the essay and notice how Alicia’s personality comes through; she obviously cares about her subject. Her use of details gives the reader a clear picture of the characters and environment in this account of Alicia’s first encounter with racism.
Student Writing Model
A Lesson to Learn
Eddie, a seventh grader, wrote a brief journal entry about his little brother’s annoying habit of asking questions all the time—and how it taught him a lesson.
Student Writing Model
Dreams
The word pictures in this poem, submitted by fifth-grader Sarah, paint a dreamy image!
Student Writing Model
When I Was Upside Down
Chloe, in fourth grade, uses a repeating phrase and rhyming words to give her poem rhythm.
Student Writing Model
Sloppy Joes
Molly, the fourth-grade author of this short poem, tells us something about her favorite food.
Student Writing Model
The Civil War
Seth, this model’s fifth-grade author, wrote a poem about a historical event and the reasons behind it.
Student Writing Model
Did You Ever Look At . . .
Fifth-grader Trista wrote this poem to give her readers an important message.
Student Writing Model
I Am Attean
Nicholas, the fifth-grade author of this model, uses repetition effectively in a poem about a young Native American facing the realities of his time.
Student Writing Model
Deer Don’t Need to Flee to Stay Trouble-Free!
Dylan, the fourth-grade writer of this model, concludes the report by repeating the main points he explained in the body.
Student Writing Model
Height-Challenged German Shepherd
Layton, a fifth grader, grabs the reader’s attention with a couple of questions and a clear picture of what he is planning to talk about in his report. Notice the effective use of humor in the final paragraph.
Student Writing Model
The Haunted House
Fifth-grader Tommy includes lots of details in a story that leads up to a surprise ending.
Student Writing Model
Chloe’s Day
Erin, fifth grade, tells her story from the point of view of her cat. The closing lines bring this adventure full circle.
Student Writing Model
The Terror of Kansas
Fifth-grader Ashley begins her story in the middle of the action. After the first paragraph, the reader is hooked and needs to know . . . “What happens next?”
Student Writing Model
A Story of Survival
Opening with a quotation is a great way to begin a book review. Kelsey, the author, summarizes the plot well without giving away the whole story, and she shows genuine enthusiasm for the story.
Student Writing Model
Letter to the Editor
Fifth-grader Melissa clearly states her opinion in the first paragraph. She shares supporting ideas, with details, in the middle paragraphs. In her conclusion, she restates her opinion in a fresh way.