How Writers Work (Narrative)

This unit was designed to help middle school students understand the writing process and examine how and why writers write the way they do. Students will explore different genres, text types, and purposes for writing.

Students will:

• Analyze the reasons writers write and what motivates writers to write
• Understand that writing takes different forms which is connected to purpose and audience
• Engage in collaborative discussions with peers and adults
• Read poetry and analyze poetic devices
• Examine author's’ craft and purpose
• Discuss and analyze narrative structure, features and techniques
• Focus on using commas correctly to convey meaning

Feature Article (Informational/Explanatory)

• Feature articles are a type of nonfiction. They cover true or real information just like other informational or explanatory texts, but they have some unique characteristics.

Students will:

• Determine the characteristics and the purpose of feature articles
• Understand various text structures and how to use these structures in their own writing
• Develop plans to organize their research to help reader’s understanding of the topic
• Focus on correcting run-on sentences
• Use commas correctly to convey their ideas effectively

Argumentative Essay (Argument)

Argumentative essays are texts that present the writer’s viewpoint on a topic of personal interest, present and support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence, and consider multiple points of view.

Students will:

• Identify current issues and themes in argumentative writing
• Develop a thesis with relevant facts
• Support claim with clear reasons and relevant evidence
• Conduct research to support their point of view
• Provide counterarguments
• Citer sources and punctuate dialogue correctly

Personal Narrative

Personal narrative writing is a form of writing in which the writer retells an event, incident, or experience in his or her own life. Personal narratives allow writers to share their lives with others and re-create experiences for readers to feel.

Students will:

• Use dialogue, description, sensory language and illustrations to tell their story
• Write an engaging lead that incorporates techniques from the mentor texts
• Include transition words to convey a clear sequence of events
• Develop their idea with relevant descriptive details and precise word choice
• Collaborate with peers during the writing process