How Writers Work (Narrative and/or Informative/Explanatory and/or Argument)

In the How Writers Work unit of study, middle school students will 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 precise language, clauses and phrases

Memoir (Narrative)

In the Memoir unit of study, students will be introduced to what memoir is all about, what memoirists write about, where they find their ideas, and what kinds of texts they create.

Students will:

• Identify how authors use their own life experiences, interests, and observations as inspiration
• Recognize features of memoir writing, such as reflection and change, use of memories, point of view, use of vivid and authentic details, and a focus on a brief period of time
• Notice similarities in experiences and emotions across cultures
• Identify variations of style and structure in memoir writing to make decisions about their own memoirs.
• Focus on transitions and using commas with adjectives and modifiers

Photo Essay (Informational/Explanatory)

In the Photo Essay unit of study, students will have experiences to capture or locate images for the purpose of interpretation, appreciation, new learning, sharing information, telling a story, or attaining deeper understanding of topics. Students will get “to try” out this genre as a means to meet the demands of our ever- changing, technologically savvy world, while also practicing and applying their writing skills in a variety of text types, or forms of writing.

Students will:

• Conduct research using several sources to build knowledge
• Examine authors’ and photographers’ craft
• Analyze the structures, conventions and visual and text features of photo essays
• Discuss the approaches and styles essayists choose
• Focus on thoughtful text features

Book Review (Argument)

In the Book Review unit of study, students will understand the difference between a book report and a book review. The book review moves students beyond traditional report writing as they share literary opinions and critically analyze an author’s writing. Students will consider author's’ strength and weaknesses as they argue what makes a book stand out from others in the same genre.

Students will:

• Write argumentative book reviews to support claims with with clear reasons and relevant evidence
• Fact-check and review the accuracy of the author’s work.
• Explore the issues raised and relate those issues to larger societal issues.
• Craft book reviews using relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, to support and argue their claim
• Use technology to research, produce and publish
• Focus on adding style and meaning to writing