My students are at that time of year where they need to be constantly entertained. They like the satire unit we’re in the midst of (some of them have even said so out loud!), but their attention spans are starting to resemble that of my eight year old this afternoon as the rain poured down […]
Author: Michael Ziegler
The First Two Minutes: Practicing Close Analysis with Opening Sequences
If you want students to write deep analysis, try starting with a medium and “text” that’s familiar to them: The opening sequences of their favorite TV shows.
Also Twitter: A Useful Tool for Teaching Structure
An exploration of how Twitter can provide quick mini-lessons on writing structure.
Reading Like a Writer in Troubled Times
We’ve been studying up on the idea of journalistic “angles”, in preparation for the writing of our big narrative journalism piece. It’s an unfortunate and important time to be examining such things with high school students. Where we’d normally examining several models about random topics and attempt to uncover the underlying purpose or persuasive efforts […]
Narrative Journalism and the Tricky Power of Voice
Using narrative journalism to explore the nuance of journalistic voice will help students become more savvy news consumers.
Teaching From My Twitter Feed: Fun with Maps
A post exploring two Twitter accounts that provide a wealth of interesting visual material for your classroom writers!
Test Prep for Below-Grade-Level Writers
Test Prep for below-grade-level writers needs to involve strategies that build them up without overwhelming them
Researching the Future
This piece explores ways to let your below-grade-level learners imagine and envision a pathway to their career aspirations all through the use of research writing.
Making Hot Takes Cool Again
When my PLC revisited our Hot Take writing unit this year, we decided we needed to help students find a balance between voice, style, and evidence.
Teaching From My Twitter Feed: Diction, Syntax, and the Gray Lady
When you need to explore the power of diction and syntax with your students, looking at actual editorial revisions made by professional journalists seems like a great place to start!