Writing/Composition Narrow Results
resources for instruction in the theory and practice of writing in a variety of genres
-
6 + 1 Traits of Writing Kindergarten-Grade 8This language arts unit is designed to work for single or multi-grade classrooms, with the lessons broken into grade bands of K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. The model addresses the following seven characteristics of writing: Ideas Organization Voice Word... -
A Writer is Someone Who Writes -- And So is a Writing Teacher! Kindergarten-TertiaryAn examination of the 1984 North Pacific Union Conference-sponsored writing program for elementary, secondary, and college teachers. Central to the workshop was a resource center, which facilitated the blending of theory with practice. The workshop's organizing... -
Academic Service Learning in First-Year Writing: Implications for Practice Grade 12-TertiaryThe author shares research answering six questions: 1. What do service-learning composition courses look like? 2. What perceptions do teachers in service-learning composition programs have about their success in ensuring that composition and service... -
Adventist Pioneers Biography Writing Grade 9-Grade 12This sample lesson plan provides objectives, Journey to Excellence connections, materials list, advanced preparation, process, and curriculum connections. -
Adventures of a Volunteer Writing Tutor Tertiary-LifelongThe author, an ex-editor, shares her experiences as a volunteer writing tutor at a college and university. She offers tips on tutoring and a list of useful books for writing tutors. -
Author's Chair Rubric Grade 2-Grade 6Young students can evaluate each other's written work or oral presentations using this rubric. -
Can Peer Review Help Johnny Write Better? Grade 9-TertiaryThis article provides insights into how peer reviews can help students succeed and how to correctly structure peer reviews in your classroom. -
Celebrating the Writing of Children in the Primary Grades Preschool-Grade 3Publishing and sharing the writing of young children often appears difficult and overwhelming to the busy teacher. This 2012 NAD presentation shares secrets for celebrating the writing accomplishments of young students. There are samples of simple classroom... -
Character Description Integrated Unit Plan Grade 4This Unit Plan integrates the Bible in a Language Arts lesson on writing character descriptions. It also provides opportunities for learning across content areas. It is student-centered, faith-based and best of all, fun for everyone. -
Coaching Teachers to Excellence Kindergarten-Grade 12This 2006 NAD Teachers Convention presentation includes handouts to facilitate an understanding of the balanced literacy approach, building professional learning communities, and developing coaching and mentoring skills. -
College Composition Revisited: The Right Type of Write Hype Grade 11-TertiaryThe art of writing has deteriorated and teachers need a stronger grounding in language and literature. Teachers are not interested in teaching writing courses and many are ill-equipped to do so. Guidelines for writing and writing instruction are discussed.... -
Compare and Contrast Essay - Biblical and Non-Biblical Heroes Grade 7-Grade 12This lesson plan engages students in comparing and contrasting Biblical heroes with non-Biblical heroes, and then guides them through the process of writing an comparison/contrast essay. -
Comparison/Contrast Essay - Good Shepherd Grade 9-Grade 12This ready-to-use lesson plan engages students in analyzing John 10 where Jesus describes Himself as the "Good Shepherd" and contrasts Himself to a regular Palestinian shepherd. Includes writing a comparison/contrast essay. -
Create Your Own Mentor Texts for Successful Writer's Workshop Lessons Kindergarten-Grade 8"Using mentor texts in writer's workshop helps students more readily grasp new genres of writing and feel more comfortable trying those genres...learn more about creating [your] own mentor texts to use in writer's workshop minilessons" by reading... -
Creating Writing Assignments That Promote Perspective-Taking Skills Grade 11-TertiaryLoveless seeks strategies appropriate for college writing assignments which require students to consider the effects of their comments on their audience, a perspective-taking experience, hypothesizing that such experiences assist students in moving to higher... -
Creative Technical Writing as Problem Solving Grade 3-LifelongThis article shares the perspective that writing is a problem-solving activity. Instead of the traditional prewriting, writing, revising model, the authors present a problem solving model with four stages: preparation, incubation, illumination, and translation.... -
Creative Writing - Making Meaning Grade 9-LifelongCreative writing is a necessary part of a schools' curriculum. Teaching necessary writing skills goes beyond assigning themes, research papers, or articles for the school newspaper. Jones argues that creative writing classes allow students to "use language... -
Creative Writing Camps and Classrooms - A Pedagogical Model from Writing to Book Publication Kindergarten-Grade 12This 2018 NAD convention workshop provided "a theoretical position for the importance of creative writing for learners and a practical model of a creative writing camp." Provided is a copy of the PowerPoint, as well as information on how to use Bookemon... -
Critical Thinking Skills Grade 9-LifelongThe process of writing is also the process of thinking. Leading students away from the misconception that writing is an event is the focus of this article. This article suggests ways a teacher can cultivate critical thinking and writing by providing opportunities... -
Daily Writing Prompts for the Multi-Grade Classroom Grade 4-Grade 8A PowerPoint of 170 prompts for daily journal writing in a multi-grade Adventist classroom. Some of these have been used with students as young as 3rd grade, but 4th grade and up seems to work best. These prompts integrate Pathways themes and other core subject... -
Drawing Before Writing - A Metacognitive Scaffold to Year 2 Children's Story Writing Grade 1-Grade 4"The purpose of the study was to investigate the use of drawing to improve the quality and quantity of children’s writing by using drawing before writing to scaffold children’s thinking during the story writing process." -
Expository Writing and Steps to Christ Grade 9-Grade 12This sample lesson plan uncovers expository writing and Steps to Christ for grades 9-12. -
Guide Magazine Stories Wanted - Write Now! Grade 5-Grade 8Guide magazine needs your help! This weekly publication for 10-14 year-olds wants your stories. -
Guiding Students Through the World Wide Web Grade 9-LifelongThis article shares tips and things students and teachers need to know about the internet for academic writing. It includes a source evaluation rubric, and helpful discussion of problems in selecting quality information sources online. -
How to Teach Reluctant Writers How to Write a Five-Paragraph Essay Grade 6-Grade 12Designed for teachers of below-grade level junior high and high school students, this 2018 NAD convention presentation taught the "structure of a five-paragraph essay and how to get...students to successfully express their ideas on paper using the five-paragraph... -
I Wanna - The Art of Persuasion Grade 4-Grade 8The author discusses a genre study on persuasive writing, conducted in a 4th- to 8th-grade classroom. She presents guidelines for composing persuasive writing that her students compiled in their initial study. -
If You Can Teach, You Can Write Grade 1-TertiaryWritten communication is essential within the field of education. Not all teachers have been motivated to write, but the author believes that the basic skills required of any teacher are sufficient for him or her to master the art of writing. The author presents... -
Implications of the Christian Understanding of Human Nature for the Writing and Teaching of History Tertiary-Lifelong"In an effort to move to the direction of practical application, Land examines the assumptions and interpretations found in several historical works from the perspective of both philosophy of history and Christian theology. By focusing on the understanding... -
Improving Student Writing Grade 3-Grade 12This 2006 NAD Teachers Convention workshop handout provides a one page expository timed writing rubric and a page of recommended books available through presenter and author Sandra Doran. -
Improving the Writing Skills of English Learners - An Impact on Student Learning Analysis Grade 5-Grade 12"In this action research project, English learners’ (ELs) progress is monitored with a variety of formal and informal evaluation methods through the Impact on Student Learning Analysis (ISLA). The purpose of this ISLA is to: a) determine the effect... -
Including Second-language Learners in the Writing Classroom Grade 7-Tertiary"Migration is a global trend, with more diverse sending and receiving countries than in the past. Teachers in more and more countries now face the daunting challenge of working with learners struggling to write across a language barrier." -
Informative Writing Lesson Plan for Multi-Grade Classrooms Grade 1-Grade 8Prepared by a small school teacher, this informative writing lesson plan is differentiated across the multi-grade classroom. Included for each grade level are key learning/common core connections, directions, and a rubric. -
Insight Magazine Writing Contest 2013 Grade 7-LifelongYoung writers can enter their writing in one of three categories: student short story, general short story, or study poetry. Access the contest rules here. Entry deadline is May each year. -
JAE Editorial: By Beholding We are Changed Kindergarten-TertiaryIntroducing an issue featuring genre studies in writing, this editorial provides an overview of the articles sharing practical applications in Adventist classrooms at various levels. Article titles include: The... -
JAE Editorial: Using Writing to Train Thinkers Kindergarten-LifelongThis special writing issue addresses the connection between writing and the highest levels of cognitive processing. In his editorial, Ostrander supports direct-instruction that leads to authentic, purposeful writing activities. Articles in this issue include:... -
JAE: Of Interest to Teachers Kindergarten-LifelongThis Journal of Adventist Education column features current news, reports, and updates of interest to educators. In this issue: Sharing Writing Said Best Method; Legal News; Educational Testing Service Forum Cites "Paradox" in Reliance on,... -
JAE: Of Interest to Teachers - April, May 1989 Kindergarten-LifelongIn this issue: Christian Writers Workshop; Gifted Writers Program for Students; Free Science and Math Catalog; Student Skills in Economics Poor, Report Shows; Review of Gentry Book Available. -
K-12 Writing Activities With a Spiritual Emphasis - Sample Lessons Kindergarten-Grade 12A list of writing activities and sample lesson plans ideas to effectively teach from a biblical worldview. A powerpoint accompanies this handout. -
Language Arts for the Gifted Student Kindergarten-Grade 12Students who are gifted in language arts need to learn to use higher thinking skills in analyzing literature. They need encouragement and affirmation. This article also introduces the TAG (Talents and Gifts) curriculum developed by the Pacific Union Conference.... -
Language Arts Journal Rubric - Green Valley School Grade 5-Grade 8This rubric was designed for a daily journal assignment throughout a school year. -
Main Idea - Unit Plan Grade 5 Grade 5This Unit Plan integrates the Bible with a Language Arts lesson on the main idea of a story. It also provides opportunities for learning across other content areas. It is student-centered, faith-based, and best of all, fun for everyone. -
Making Education Work Kindergarten-Grade 12The combined efforts of school and home as well as reading, phonics, math, writing, science, and homework are important areas in which schools can make education work. A discussion of the U.S. Department of Education's "What Works: Research About Teaching... -
Making the Grade Grade 3-Grade 12Both beginning and experienced teachers often struggle with how to assess writing assignments. This article gives suggestions on how to grade writing assignments, options for grading, and key traits of writing. Grading options such as the no grade or check... -
Mission Zimbabwe: A Student-Organized Service Project Tertiary-LifelongFind out how Walla Walla University students raised funds for a specific orphanage project in Zimbabwe. -
Multigenre Research Papers in the High School English Classroom Grade 9-Grade 12Resources from this 2018 NAD convention workshop will help you "integrate researching and communicating via multiple genres in order to deepen students' critical thinking, writing and researching skills." -
One Woman's War With 'The Wall' Grade 3-LifelongHitting the 'writer's block' wall is a common occurrence in composition classrooms. Students often experience various levels of fear, frustration, and anxiety when faced with writing tasks. In this article, Tammy McGuire shares with students and teachers helpful... -
Opening Students' Eyes Through Picture-Guided Writing Grade 1-Grade 12The universality of visual images allows them to be tools for improving writing instruction at any grade level, in any subject, and in any language. Pictures pump life into the teaching of any writing genre. The picture resources for teaching writing are... -
Parable Writing Sample Lesson Plan Grade 9-Grade 12This sample lesson integrates faith and learning as students learn to appreciate Jesus' method of teaching and communicating along with learning how to write parables. -
Pathways Writing Workshop Kindergarten-Grade 8This 2012 NAD Teachers Convention presentation focuses on the Writing Workshop. Learn how to create and implement a plan for including the Pathways Writing Workshop into the classroom. -
Pen and Paper - A Simple Formula for Enhancing Wellbeing Kindergarten-Grade 12Beginning as an English activity, this pen pal assignment connecting students with elderly community members evolved into a wellness project benefiting all involved. -
Personal Journals - A Life Skills Teaching Tool Grade 3-LifelongWhat are the benefits of keeping a journal? Patricia Fry outlines the benefits of journaling for children in school and homeschool settings. In addition to teaching children to express themselves freely, journaling is also a useful problem-solving tool. Shared... -
Poetry Unit Grade 5-Grade 6A quarter-long poetry unit in which students' end product is a poetry booklet. The unit will guide students through the world of poetry by having them write 14 poems (including a week of reading and writing spiritual poetry), each focusing on a unique poetry... -
Preventing Plagiarism Grade 3-LifelongWhile dishonesty is a factor in plagiarism, a more crucial factor is time. This article suggests that an understanding of why students plagiarize can empower teachers to prevent the behavior by providing assignments that clearly outline requirements and state... -
Reading and Writing Memoir With 4th Graders and Teacher Candidates Grade 4-TertiaryThe article documents the experience of fourth grades and teacher-education students exploring, side by side, how to read and write memoirs. The project was correlated to the Pathways Language Arts curriculum's theme "Personal Feelings and Growth".... -
Reading and Writing: The Autobiographical Connection Grade 9-Grade 12The author discusses a reading/writing course he created, "The Art of Autobiography." His course focuses on six stylistic features present in autobiographies and common to most narrative writing: the use of dialogue to replace some indirect discourse,... -
Reading Comprehension Strategies to Improve Writing Skills in the High School English Class Grade 9-Grade 12"Whether students pursue employment as blue-collar or white-collar workers, employers expect them to be able to read, write, and comprehend numerous types of communication." -
Reading Like a Writer - Thinking, Experiencing, and Writing Enthusiastically Grade 1-Grade 12In order to teach students to think, teachers must, themselves, be thinkers. Since writers must be thinkers, teachers must also teach thinking when teaching writing. The teacher must model the whole process to teach writing well. To model writing, one must... -
Reading Like Writers - Writing for Readers Kindergarten-Grade 2This 2012 NAD Teachers Convention presentation shows how early readers use reading purposefully. See the process and the product of a shared reading/writing experience. There are also ideas for creating shared reading and writing products based on Pathways... -
Report Writing Unit Plan Grade 5This Unit Plan integrates the Bible in a Language Arts lesson on report writing. It also provides opportunities for learning across other content areas. It is student-centered, faith-based, and best of all, fun for everyone. -
Research Writing - Vital Instruction for All Students Grade 4-TertiaryA student's writing ability can determine what school they get into, which jobs will consider them, and how high they'll be able to move up in those jobs. It is essential for teachers to well equip their students with the practice and understanding of how... -
Revisiting Writing Workshop Kindergarten-Grade 12The purpose of this article is to review some essentials of writing workshop along with supplemental information to make it easier to use. Creating a positive environment, enabling student ownership and success, creating a culture for writing, facilitating... -
School Newspaper Trains Future Editors and Reporters Kindergarten-Grade 8Lloyd Lyles shares how an active school newspaper program can provide enrichment and teach students more than journalism skills. -
Scraps of My Life - A Creative Writing Unit for the Upper Grades Grade 9-Grade 12"The unit will begin with an introduction to scrapbooks and, in particular, to thematic scrapbooks. From there the teacher will guide students through a mini-course on the writing process and how to create effective paragraphs. Students will then use... -
Setting Students Free With Poetry Writing Kindergarten-Grade 6Stephens shares how she structured a unit on poetry, what mini-lessons she included, key resources she referenced, and the daily schedule. Sample student work is included and connections to writing prose. -
Seven Keys that Inspire Success in Common Core Writing Kindergarten-Grade 5Increasing writing proficiency requires targeted lessons that meet the Common Core requirements. This 2012 NAD Teachers Convention presentation demonstrates how practical strategies and Common Core lessons create a high-success atmosphere that improves the... -
Sherlock's Simile Assembly Grade 5-Grade 9A hands-on activity for students to practice matching similes, familiarize themselves with Biblical examples of similes and use their Bible as a reference tool. Please note that the NIV Bible was used in the prepared matching activity. -
Short Story Writing based on The Book of God Grade 9-Grade 12This sample faith integrated lesson plan is based on The Book of God. It provides objectives, Journey to Excellence connections, materials list, advanced preparation, process, and curriculum connections. -
Solo Time with God Grade 8-Grade 12This conversational letter writing activity allows students the opportunity to be still and know God. -
Something to Talk About: Ideas for Teaching Literature and Writing Grade 9-LifelongWhat is the role of the Christian English teacher in the college literature and composition classroom? Scott Moncrieff states, "language provides the basis for communication and reflection, and for building relationships with our world, our fellow human... -
Speech Writing Unit Plan Grade 4-Grade 6This Unit Plan integrates faith in a Language Arts lesson on speech writing. It also provides opportunities for learning across other content areas. It is student-centered, faith-based, and best of all, fun for everyone. -
Spiritual Journal/Lesson Starters Grade 9-Grade 12A collection of quotes that can be used as lesson starters or for student journaling. -
Story Senses Worksheet Grade 1-Grade 6A one-page worksheet organizing student responses to a story through the senses of sight, sound, touch, speech and smell. -
Summary Writing Unit Plan Grade 4-Grade 6This Unit Plan integrates faith in a Language Arts lesson on summary writing. It also provides opportunities for learning across other content areas. It is student-centered, faith-based, and best of all, fun for everyone. -
Teacher Track Grade 1-Grade 8From this website, Sandra Doran provides "a wide range of products and services for parents and teachers, including workshops, seminars, teaching tools, product links, books, articles, DVDs, training modules and more." -
Teaching academic writing to graduate English as Second Language students: the effects of instruction on student academic writing at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), Philippines Tertiary-LifelongThe purpose of this study was to determine, through action research, the effects of instruction on graduate English Second Language (ESL) student academic writing at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS). Models and... -
Teaching Print Awareness Through Kindergarten Journal Writing Kindergarten-Grade 1Classroom writing in kindergarten consists of 5 main forms: logs, diaries, creative writing, expository writing, and journals. Early journal writing may include a lot of pictures and scribbles. Teachers should establish a writing routine (sample one provided... -
Teaching Students to Write a Research Paper Grade 5-Grade 8All you need to teach a research writing unit for Adventist middle school students. Download 8 weeks (or 40 days) of clear guidelines for the teacher, along with handouts for Grade 5-8 students, including requirements, due dates, and reminders. -
Technology - Teacher Bulletin Volume 5 Kindergarten-Grade 12Technology is becoming more and more an integral teaching tool in the classroom. This section is full of annotated links for all subject areas, techy articles, webquests, and ideas for making technology work in your classroom. -
The Formula Essay Reconsidered Kindergarten-Grade 12Haluska explains the history and value of formula essays. He ends with five scoring qualities a grading rubric might include: unity, support, organization, style, and mechanics. -
The Friendly Letter Unit Plan Grade 3-Grade 5A Language Arts lesson on writing a friendly letter, and providing opportunities for learning across other content areas. It is student-centered, faith-based, and best of all, fun for everyone. -
The Genre Study Journey Kindergarten-TertiaryThis article defines genre studies, provides practical steps to preparing to teach a unit on genre studies, connects genre studies to the NAD Pathways language art curriculum, and ends with an example of how genre study works in a real classroom setting. -
The Write Stuff Kindergarten-TertiaryStudent writers are often inhibited by the fear of teachers bleeding red ink all over writing assignments, or sarcastically reading papers out loud as examples of what not to do. Teachers themselves often harbor their own frustrations about the task of teaching... -
The Writer's Labyrinth - A Reflection on the Principles of Academic Writing Part 1 Tertiary-LifelongThis writer and educator has found “the true source of the creative process by reflecting upon God as Creator in nature and through His Word.” -
The Writer’s Labyrinth - A Reflection on the Principles of Academic Writing Part 2 Tertiary-LifelongThis author views “writing and reading as a way of tracing [God’s] love through the past, present and future.” -
The Writing Process Grade 5-Grade 12Created by an English teacher in self-defense and for self-preservation, this series of PowerPoint presentations, with companion notes and assignments, tackles the nuts and bolts of The Writing Process in general as well as a number of specific types of essays. -
Thinking About Writing Kindergarten-TertiaryThe relation between mental processes and writing skills. Writing is a complex and symbolic activity that requires observation, imagination, and discipline. Dissatisfaction with the focus on the end-product has resulted in a discussion of the kinds of thinking... -
Toward Research Writing Grade 5-Grade 12Students and teachers alike often dread the inevitable multiple-page research paper. Managing the note cards, quotations, footnotes, and bibliography from multiple sources makes us attempt this but once a year. Is there a way to teach these tools in smaller,... -
Travelers All: Teaching English in a Multicultural World Kindergarten-LifelongGilian Gorle discusses the challenges that face English teachers in modern society. One major issue is the variety found within the English language and speakers of English. Writing assignments that allow students to showcase their various cultures is one... -
Trudy Morgan-Cole - Dialogue with an Adventist writer from Canada Grade 11-Tertiary"My advice for any young writer is to read as much as possible and to write as much as possible. And not to give up, because writing – and especially writing for publication – can be a very discouraging process." -
Using the 6+1 Writing Traits Approach/Developing Writing Portfolios Grade 1-Grade 12What are the "6+1 Writing Traits"? How can they help you teach your students to write well? More importantly, how can they help your students focus on their strengths are writers? How can you develop a writing portfolio with each student, one that... -
What is Truth? Composition Assignments for Growth Values Grade 11-LifelongThrough this curricular experiment, the author gives teachers of composition classes an example of how they can provide an opportunity for students to experiment with expressions of their own belief and value systems in a nurturing, unconstrained setting.... -
Working with Wikipedia Grade 7-Grade 12This 2012 NAD Teachers Convention presentation handout uses a high-stakes writing task and our favorite Internet source to increase student engagement in your classroom. Writing Wikipedia articles connects students with a real audience and demands attention... -
Write Now! Kindergarten-Grade 8This 2012 NAD Teachers Convention presentation answers questions such as how you help strugglers as well as high-achievers reach new heights in their writing. -
Write On! Journal-Keeping for Teens Grade 4-Grade 12A useful tool for English/language arts teachers of writing. Write On, Journal-Keeping for Teens, shows young writers how to get started, advises them in selecting a journal book, helps them find the time to write and coaches them in using their journal... -
Writers Read Differently - Empowering Students to Read Like Writers Kindergarten-Grade 8Learn how to implement a process that changes the way students view literacy and the benefits of teaching students how to read like writers. Rivinius includes a sample author study lesson plan. -
Writing Across the Curriculum: The Accent is on Learning Kindergarten-LifelongInvolving teachers from every discipline in teaching writing offers a workable means of improving the quality of student writing. The goal of writing is to communicate effectively and efficiently. A cross-disciplinary writing program will have wider appeal... -
Writing Checklist Kindergarten-Grade 8Use these tips and writing checklist to organize the writing process with young writers. -
Writing Cross-Curricular Units Grade 5-Grade 12Five cross-curriculum units for high school and one for middle grades were developed in a two-day in-service in Southern New England. A schedule is included for collaboration, and powerpoints can be downloaded, along with the actual units: Improving Athletic... -
Writing Through the Bible Kindergarten-Grade 8Three mini-lessons and four ideas with titles: Guarding the Avenues of your Mind, Prayer, and Discuss Story Endings. -
Writing through the Proverbs Grade 5-Grade 8A five day, faith-integrated writing lesson plan will assist your 5th-8th graders in Writing through the Proverbs. Behavioral Objectives, , curriculum connections, Journey to Excellence connections, materials list, and five days of content are included. Solomon... -
Writing Unit Grade 6-Grade 8"The Writing Process is an important part of our curriculum. It is not always easy to find good teaching materials. The units included here have been divided into three divisions: Essay, Short Story, and Free Verse. The units are written specifically... -
Writing with Integrity Tertiary-Lifelong"Writing is not merely a form of sharing what we have learned; the writing process actually helps us learn. It also helps us better understand what we know. Writing is really about thinking, not about production. Language skills support good thinking... -
Writing Workshop Mini-Lessons—the Easy Way to Teach Writing! Kindergarten-Grade 8This 2012 NAD Teachers Convention presentation previews the Writing Toolkit, a collection of ready-to-use mini-lessons to help teachers provide instruction in Writing Workshops. This tool is part of the Pathways Language Arts curriculum. Whether or not you...