Students practice writing detailed, sensory-rich descriptions by framing a small piece of nature and freewriting about it. From this minilesson, students can develop a variety of types of writing.
Creative Writing in the Natural World: A Framing
Grades
|
Finding the Science Behind Science Fiction through Paired Readings
6 - 8
Lesson Plan
| Standard Lesson
Students read science fiction texts and then use nonfiction texts to extrapolate the scientific principles presented as they discuss the "what ifs" within the context of scientific principles.
Grades
|
Digging Up Details on Worms: Using the Language of Science in an Inquiry Study
K - 2
Lesson Plan
| Standard Lesson
This lesson, in which students research worms in order to create a classroom habitat, incorporates reading and writing across content areas as well as math and science activities.
Grades
|
Glogging About Natural Disasters
5 - 8
Lesson Plan
| Standard Lesson
After researching various natural disasters, students share their findings with each other using glogs, or through poster presentations.
Grades
|
Writing Acrostic Poems with Thematically Related Texts in the Content Areas
2 - 5
Lesson Plan
| Standard Lesson
Students read thematically related texts, scaffolded from simple to complex, to help them gather necessary concept vocabulary and background knowledge in a content area. They then write acrostic poems to organize and present their learning in a creative way.
Grades
|
Power of Picture Books, The: Using Content Area Literature in Middle School
5 - 9
Professional Library
| Book
Featuring descriptions and activities for fifty exceptional titles, Mary Jo Fresch and Peggy Harkins offer a wealth of ideas for harnessing the power of picture books to improve reading and writing in the content areas.
Grades
|
Life's Journeys: Help Along the Way
6 - 12
Tap into teen and preteen readers' interest in adolescent-mentor relationships with these recommendations!
Grades
|
RAFT Writing Template
5 - 12
Printout
| Writing Starter
Students can utilize this printout to organize their writing as they learn to use the RAFT strategy. This printout enables students to clearly define their role, audience, format, and topic for writing.
Grades
|
Seed Discussion Organizer
5 - 12
Printout
| Graphic Organizer
Students can utilize this printout to organize their thoughts as a new concept or content is introduced through a Seed Discussion. This printout readies students to acquire new knowledge by organizing what they know and what they're prepared to learn.
Grades
|
Introducing New Content with Seed Discussions
Grades
5 - 12
Strategy Guide
In this strategy guide, you'll learn how to elicit ideas and conversation about new concepts or content by effectively holding a Seed Discussion in your classroom.
Grades
|
Brainstorming and Reviewing Using the Carousel Strategy
Grades
5 - 12
Strategy Guide
This strategy guide introduces Carousel Brainstorming, also known as Rotating Review, and offers suggestions to implement this technique in your classroom for brainstorming about new topics or reviewing learned information.
Grades
|
Socratic Seminars
Grades
6 - 12
Strategy Guide
This strategy guide explains Socratic seminars and offers practical methods for applying the approach in your classroom to help students investigate multiple perspectives in a text.
Grades
|
Preparing Students for Success with Reading in the Content Areas
Grades
6 - 12
Strategy Guide
In this strategy guide, you'll learn how to determine the level and type of support you need to provide students based on careful preparation as a content area expert.
Grades
|
Developing Academic Vocabulary
Grades
K - 12
Strategy Guide Series
In this Strategy Guide Series, you'll find creative and compatible ways to build, maintain, and extend students' vocabulary across academic disciplines.
Grades
|
Using Word Walls to Develop and Maintain Academic Vocabulary
Grades
K - 12
Strategy Guide
In this guide, you will learn how to use Word Walls to support vocabulary development and retention.
Grades
|
Using Generative Sentences to Apply Academic Vocabulary
Grades
4 - 12
Strategy Guide
In this guide, you will learn how to use generative sentences to give students opportunities to apply their knowledge of new words in writing.
Grades
|
Introducing Ideas and Vocabulary with the Concept Sort
Grades
K - 8
Strategy Guide
A Concept Sort is a vocabulary and comprehension strategy used with students to introduce new topics and/or familiarize students with new vocabulary.
Grades
|
Textmasters: Shaking Up Textbook Reading in Science Classrooms
6 - 8
Lesson Plan
| Standard Lesson
Engage students in content area reading with the Textmasters strategy, which allows students to collaborate with their peers in different roles that enable better understanding of the content.
Grades
|
Earth Verse: Using Science in Poetry
3 - 5
Lesson Plan
| Standard Lesson
Students shape up their reading, writing, and listening skills in this lesson by creating original diamante, acrostic, and shape poems about science.
Grades
|
ABC Bookmaking Builds Vocabulary in the Content Areas
6 - 8
Lesson Plan
| Standard Lesson
V is for vocabulary. A content area unit provides the theme for a specialized ABC book, as students select, research, define, and illustrate a word for each alphabet letter.