Speech Unit - Common Core Bonanza!

I'm always on the lookout for a unit that meets as many possible CCSS as possible...and when I can't find one, I get busy making one.  

Speech Unit

In this Speech Unit, students first analyze historic speeches while developing an understanding of the genre.  

(Sample Speech Analysis Worksheet)

Then, they conduct a mini-research project on Presidents of the 20th century and write a speech on their research.

Speech Pre-write

Finally, they put their public speaking skills to the test while they deliver their persuasive speeches, while their classmates actively listen and record their learnings.

In just ten days, students have the opportunity to read, write, listen, and speak - tapping into a plethora of CCSS.  

Take that Common Core!

(This product is available here.)

Creative Writing in the Classroom

Have you noticed a shift away from incorporating creative writing into the ELA classroom?  I sure have...and I'm super sad about it! That's why I still try to infuse a little creative writing into my plans each week.  

I've compiled my ten favorite creative writing lessons into this resource...

It's jam-packed with lessons that get my students excited about writing...and since that's why I became a teacher in the first place...to help students realize how fun learning can be...these lessons are classics in my classroom.

One of the lessons that students go nuts over is the Paper Disputes activity.  Ordinarily, I spend most days with middle schoolers telling them not to fight, so you can imagine their surprise when I bring out this creative writing assignment...Paper Disputes. 

In this writing activity students work with partners to create the most amazing dialogue fight ever.  My kids go nuts thinking up creative situations for the fight like a beautician and her client or two garbage men.  They always get so into writing the dialogue that we end up having performances, too.  

Available at my TpT Store

The best part?  By the end of this activity they've practiced writing realistic dialogue with correct punctuation and structure.  They're usually having so much fun, I hate to ruin it for them and remind them that they're learning too!

Available at my TpT store!

If you're ready to get your students fighting, be sure to stop by our Teachers Pay Teachers Store and download this lesson!  Or, find this lesson and 9 others HERE.

Thanks for stopping by,
Brain Waves Instruction

Spelling Games and Activities

My middle school students love playing games and since I love making learning fun, I'm always up for a few games in the classroom.  One of the easiest ways that I've found to incorporate games into my lessons is through spelling instruction.  

At least once a week I put "spelling game" on the agenda and we get the good times rolling in the classroom.

I've compiled our favorite five spelling games into this FREE resource.   

The games are super fun, super engaging, and best of all... educational. 

Each game includes an overview for the teacher...

And any student resources needed to play the game...

You can download them for free at my Teachers Pay Teachers shop.  

Let the games begin!