Are you looking for a fun reflective writing lesson plan? These detailed, CCSS-aligned close reading and textual analysis activities ask students to analyze mentor texts and write their own mission statement or “credo” based on Cyrano de Bergerac. Digital interactive slides, black-line handouts for print use, and one-point rubrics make this resource a huge time-saver, allowing you to focus on what you do best – just teach!
Students will read and discuss Cyrano’s speech from the play Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand, “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch, and an engaging “This I Believe” essay called “Returning to What’s Normal.” Brainstorming and organization exercises, as well as a writing checklist, will help writers with the drafting process.
This powerful reflective activity for high school English language arts is perfect as a back-to-school community and skill-building experience, a creative writing activity, writing enrichment, differentiation opportunity, or writing assessment!
Heartwarming Story (I digress…) – Just last winter while I was shopping for chocolates (of course!) at a local confectionery, I ran into a former student. Before I could say a word, she said, “Ohmygoodness, I am so glad to see you. Guess what?! I’m an English teacher! And every year I share that credo you had me write in your class with my students. It was one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding writing pieces. Thank you!” This student held onto her credo, not because of my teaching, but because it represented who she was. I want to create opportunities for students to put more of themselves into their writing, to open up, to be human. This is what teaching is all about!
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Here’s what you’ll receive in this resource:
★Credo Close Reading Analysis (3 Slides, 3 Pages) allows you to build close reading skills with the mentor text that originally inspired this assignment.
★Credo Definition (1 Slide, 1 Page) allows you to clearly define this assignment for students.
★Credo Writing Checklist (1 Slide, 1 Page) so that your students can totally rock their writing and revision process!
★Brainstorming Activities (3 Slides, 3 Pages) so that you can differentiate and ensure that every student finds direction with this assignment.
★Fill-in-the-Blank Credo (1 Slide, 1 Page) so that you have even more options for differentiation, for those students who will benefit from a highly structured assignment.
★“Last Lecture Reprised” Fill-in-the-Blank Listening Notes (1 Slide, 1 Page) so that you can target listening skills and ensure students are catching the main ideas.
★“Returning to What’s Normal” Listening Web Notes (1 Slide, 1 Page) so that you can target listening skills and help students identify main ideas and make connections.
★Compare/Contrast 3 Mentor Texts (1 Slide, 1 Page) allows you to facilitate discussion about these mentor texts and their content, organization, and style.
★One-Point Writing, Analysis, Speaking/Listening Rubrics (3 Pages) so that you can easily assess student progress and learning and/or have students self-assess.
★Digital Product Links & Product Notes (4 Pages) so that you have instructions and tips for using this assignment with students at your fingertips.
★Detailed Lesson Plans with “I Can” Statements & CCSS Standards (4 Pages) allow you to teach with no additional prep!
★Getting Started Guide (2 Pages) so that you’re able to swiftly make your own copy of this digital product and share it with your students.
★ Digital “FAQ” Guide (2 Pages) provides detailed answers to common digital resource questions!
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Benefits of digital interactive resources include:
★ High engagement = happy students and happy teacher
★ Student-friendly 1:1 environment
★ Development of college and career readiness skills
★ Fluid integration of ELA skills
★ Productive use of class time that is maximized for student learning
This resource is helpful for:
★ Teachers new to a digital learning environment.
★ Teachers who are looking to save time with ready-made digital and print resources.
★ Teachers who love to innovate and try new things!
★ Teachers who want a great way to integrate multiple ELA skills in ONE assignment!
