Especially for Teachers

Newspaper Lesson Plans

Creative Writing

Grade Level: 11
Subject: Creative Writing

I. Topic: Letter to the Editor

II. Objectives:

Content: (1) Students will write a persuasive letter to the editor using the writing process. (2) Students will create a class rubric.

Language: (1) Students will discuss 4 letters to the editor (2 good and 2 bad).

III. Materials: Letters to the editor (good and bad)

Writing Utensil Paper

IV. Teaching Procedures:

A. Introduction: Teacher would have already clipped numerous letters to the editor from the previous week´s newspaper. Teacher will begin by reading an article that the teacher feels passionate about. The teacher will ask the students to share their articles with the class and their feelings about it. The teacher will ask: "What can we do about getting our voice heard?" If the topic doesn´t come up, the teacher will suggest writing a letter to the editor.

B. Developmental Procedures: The teacher will present 4 letters (2 good and 2 bad) to the editor that the teacher has collected from the previous week. Then the teacher will ask the following questions to the class: "What is this person arguing?" "Is there opinion clearly stated?" "Does this person know about the topic or are they just blowing off steam?" "Are there any supporting facts?" "Does this person offer a resolution or are they commenting/ complaining?" "Is there room for a resolution in this issue?" "How is the argument laid out?" "How would you lay out an argument?"

Now the class will make a class rubric based on the good qualities of the letters versus the bad qualities of the letter.

C. Closure: After the class has agreed on a rubric, the students will write a letter to the editor using the rubric to guide them. The students will begin by writing an outline of their argument. Then the students will write a rough draft. After correcting the rough draft, the students will write a final draft. The teacher and the students will share their final letters to the editor. The teacher and students will send their letters to the editor.

V. Lesson Evaluation:

Students will demonstrate their ability to analyze arguments presented by the teacher. Students will demonstrate their ability to write a persuasive letter to the editor using the class rubric and the constructive writing process. Students will be successful because the teacher designed the lesson and activity in such a way to ensure their success.

VI. Anticipated use of Time:

5 minutes - Teacher will introduce the lesson by presenting his own article. Students will listen.

15 minutes - Teacher will listen to students present their articles. Teacher will ask questions when needed. Students will share their articles with the class and their feelings about it.

20 minutes - Teacher will present 4 letters to the editor. Questions from Developmental Procedures will be asked at this time. Students will answer questions and analyze the letters.

5 minutes - Teacher will create a rubric based on the good qualities from each letter. Students will participate in making a class rubric.

5 minutes - Teacher will assist the students in writing an outline for their letter. Students will begin writing their outline.

VII. Sunshine State Standards:

Reading (LA.A.1.4) - standard 4 (LA.A.2.4) - standard 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7 Writing - (LA.B.1.4) - standard 1, 2, 3 (LA.B.2.4) - standard 2, 3, 4 Listening, Viewing, Speaking - (LA.c.3.4) standard 1, 5 Language - (LA.D.2.4) - standard 1, 2, 3, 5

VIII. ESOL Strategies:

#9 Question and answer Drills #10 Demonstration #12 Modeling #14 Description #15 Introduction #17 Samples #19 Directions #22 Participation #23 Comparison #25 Visuals #28 Oral Conversational Disclosure #42 Pass/Fail Grading #54 Wait Time #56 Emphasizing Key Concepts #61 Preparation

IX. Accomplished Practices:

1.Assessment; 2.Communication; 3.Continuous Improvement; 4.Critical thinking; 5.Diversity; 6.Ethics; 7.Human Development and learning; 8.Knowledge of subject matter; 9.Learning Environment; 10.Planning; 11.Role of the Teacher; 12.Technology

Jeffrey Brown
Stetson University

Copyright © 2008 NIE WORLD (www.nieworld.com). All content copyrighted and may not be republished without permission. The News-Journal has no control over and is not responsible for content on other Web sites. Privacy Policy.