Writing-Essays Centers

Calling all reformed villains! This holiday season, ditch the coal and rewrite your story. This activity allows students to use their imagination and persuasive writing skills to convince Santa Claus they deserve a spot on the nice list!

What's Included:

• Reformed Villain Graphic Organizer: Help students brainstorm and visualize their villainous character and their path to redemption.
• Persuasive Letter to Santa Template: Provide a structured format for students to craft their convincing arguments.
• List of Infamous Villains: Offer inspiration and a starting point for character selection.

⭐Want more writing for Christmas?⭐

Trapped in a Snow Globe | Narrative Writing

Who Will Guide The Sleigh | Persuasive Writing**⭐**

⭐Thanksgiving narrative writing: How the Turkey Escaped Thanksgiving Dinner**⭐**

⭐Journey to the center of the Earth narrative/descriptive: Earth Layers**⭐**

Don't forget to share with me how it went with your little ones. I hope it was useful in your classroom.

If you like this product, follow my store -Mettry Teaches- for more.

• STAAR ECR Mastery Resource Informational Essay Test Prep Grades 6-8 Thesis Claim
  This comprehensive resource breaks down the Extended Constructed Response (ECR) process for middle school students. It guides them through crafting a solid thesis, developing claims, and supporting their ideas with evidence and reasoning. The engaging, step-by-step format ensures students master the writing skills they need for STAAR success.

• Thanksgiving Argument Writing Unit Debate Topics & Lesson Plans 4 STAAR ECRs
  Make argumentative writing fun and seasonal with this resource. Students tackle Thanksgiving-themed debate topics while practicing essential STAAR ECR skills. The unit includes structured lessons, 4 debate topics, guided notes, and activities that focus on developing strong arguments with evidence and counterarguments.

• ECR Relay Race: Engaging STAAR Writing Prep Grades 5-8 Comprehension 12 Prompts!
  Turn essay writing into a collaborative, competitive game! This relay race-style resource includes 12 engaging prompts and helps students build comprehension and writing skills through interactive learning. Ideal for both individual and group work, this resource is perfect for STAAR test prep and building writing confidence.

1. 90 Day Reading Comprehension Bell Ringer Warm-Up Routine: This daily bell-ringer routine provides 90 days of reading comprehension practice, helping students build consistency in analyzing texts, identifying main ideas, and drawing inferences. Perfect for regular, bite-sized practice that reinforces key comprehension skills.
2. ECR Relay Race: Engaging STAAR Writing Prep: This interactive relay race activity is designed to make STAAR writing preparation engaging. With 12 prompts focused on extended constructed responses (ECR), students will work on crafting thoughtful, structured responses, honing their ability to articulate ideas clearly and support their answers with evidence.
3. STAAR ECR Mastery Resource for Informational Essays: This resource focuses on informational essay writing with a strong emphasis on developing thesis statements, claims, and supporting evidence. It’s a targeted approach to mastering the essential components of STAAR informational essays, equipping students with skills in organization and argumentation.
4. Thanksgiving Argument Writing Unit: Debate Topics & Lesson Plans: This seasonal resource engages students in argument writing through Thanksgiving-themed debate topics. Students will practice constructing persuasive arguments, making claims, and providing relevant evidence—core skills for STAAR ECRs and persuasive writing in general.

This bundle provides comprehensive practice in reading comprehension, essay structure, argumentation, and evidence-based responses, setting students up for success in standardized test preparation.

Transform your students’ writing skills with this STAAR ECR Mastery Resource, designed to make essay writing both engaging and effective for grades 6-8. This product breaks down the often overwhelming task of essay writing into clear, manageable steps, ensuring that your students feel confident and prepared for the Extended Constructed Response (ECR) section of the STAAR exam. Whether for classroom instruction, intervention, or test prep, this resource delivers everything you need to support your students in writing strong, structured essays.

✅ Thorough Skill Development Across 3 Days

This 3-day lesson plan guides students through each critical step of informational essay writing. Starting with a solid foundation in developing a thesis, students will then practice writing claims, supporting them with evidence, and providing sound reasoning. By the end of the unit, students will have completed a full-length informational essay on a highly engaging topic—Fortnite—a subject that captures their attention while reinforcing essential writing skills.

✅ Engaging and Interactive Resources

To maintain student engagement, this resource includes interactive slides that break down each element of essay writing. These slides are designed to support all learners by making the concepts of thesis development, claims, evidence, and reasoning more accessible and relatable. The step-by-step instructions and accompanying answer keys ensure that students receive clear feedback and can refine their skills with guided practice.

✅ Real-World Topic for Practice

Students will have the opportunity to write a complete essay on Fortnite, a popular video game that they are likely familiar with and excited to discuss. This essay topic makes practicing the skills they need for STAAR ECR a fun, relevant experience, allowing them to see the real-world application of writing techniques.

✅ Key Features of the Resource:

• Full 3-Day Lesson Plan: Walks you through each stage of essay instruction, from teaching concepts to peer review and revision.
• Comprehensive Essay Practice: A full-length essay assignment on Fortnite to engage students while practicing thesis, claims, evidence, and reasoning.
• Interactive Slides: Detailed slides to introduce and guide each stage of writing, ensuring clarity and engagement.
• Answer Keys: Provided for every activity so that students can receive clear, actionable feedback.
• Test Prep and Intervention: Ideal for helping students strengthen their essay writing skills, both for general classroom use and targeted interventions.

✅ Perfect for Test Prep and Classroom Instruction

This resource is perfect for helping students master the skills needed to succeed on the STAAR Extended Constructed Response. Whether used for whole-class instruction or focused intervention, the STAAR ECR Mastery Resource delivers everything you need to elevate your students' essay writing abilities.

Prepare your students for STAAR writing success with a resource that not only builds essential writing skills but also keeps them engaged and excited to learn. Perfect for middle school teachers looking for practical, engaging ways to improve writing outcomes.

Additional STAAR resources:

ECR Relay Race: Engaging STAAR Writing Prep Grades 5-8 Comprehension 12 Prompts!

Thanksgiving Argument Writing Unit Debate Topics & Lesson Plans 4 STAAR ECRs

This product is especially fun for your class animal writing projects! It is a fun engaging writing task your students will enjoy. Prep Free! Ready to go!

Task:

1. Students are going to write a five sensory informational writing about your favorite animal using the Red Barn Craft Book pages.

2. This is a seven page-writing project: one page for the cover, one page for the topic sentence, four pages for the middle (five sensory writing: eye/see, hand/feel, ear/sound, mouth/food, + action), and one page for the conclusion.

3. Each student will choose an animal of his own to write.

Step by step assignment directions are giving using Teacher Writing Sample "Horses" as a model.

You could use this Red Barn Craft Book to write anything related to Animal Studies.

This product includes:

- Red Barn Craft Book in four formats: colored with/without writing lines and black lined with/without writing lines

- Lesson Plan for My Favorite Animal Writing Project

- Step by Step Assignment Directions

- All the posters your students need to write their favorite animals

- 1 Teacher Animal Writing Sample

- 2 Student Animal Writing Samples

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If you like this lesson, you may also like my other products in this category:

All Arts/Crafts/Projects Products

All Language Art Products

All Four Seasons Products

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Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy this lesson.

• Check out my store https://www.TeachShare.com/store/Qiang-Ma for more lessons to help your students have fun while learning!

• Comments, suggestions, feedback and questions always welcomed!

• Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases. I value your feedback greatly!

• Be sure to click on the green ★ to follow me for updates and new product announcements!

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Distance Learning is enabled! This product is especially fun for your class Thanksgiving writing projects! It is a fun engaging writing task your students will enjoy. Prep Free! Ready to go!

Task:

1. Each student is going to write four pages of three list of thanks using the Thanksgiving Craft Book pages. List 1: thanks to people in his life; List 2: thanks to technologies and inventions what make his life easier and better; List 3: thanks to natural objects for what they have been helping him.

2. Each student will come up with his own lists and reasons to thank for.

Step by step assignment directions are giving using Teacher Writing Sample "Thanks on Thanksgiving Day" as a model.

You could use this Thanksgiving Craft Book to write anything related to Thanksgiving.

This product includes:

- 2 Colored sets

- 2 Black lined sets

- Lesson Plan for Thanks on Thanksgiving Day Project

- Step by Step Assignment Directions

- 1 Teacher Thanks on Thanksgiving Day Writing Sample

- 4 Student Thanks on Thanksgiving Day Writing Samples

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If you like this lesson, you may also like my other products in this category:

All Arts/Crafts/Projects Products

All Language Art Products

All Thanksgiving Products

All Holiday Products

All Four Seasons Products

=====================================================

Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy this lesson.

• Check out my store https://www.TeachShare.com/store/Qiang-Ma for more lessons to help your students have fun while learning!

• Comments, suggestions, feedback and questions always welcomed!

• Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases. I value your feedback greatly!

• Be sure to click on the green ★ to follow me for updates and new product announcements!

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It is a fun engaging writing task your students will enjoy. Prep Free! Ready to Go!

Task:

1. Students are going to write in the name of each crayon eight letters to the owner to express the opinions of crayons using the Air Mail Craft Book pages.

2. Each student will follow informational writing format (topic sentence and detail sentences) for each letter.

Step by step assignment directions are giving using the book "The Day the Crayons Quit" by Drew Daywalt as a model.

You could use this Air Mail papers to write anything letters.

This product includes:

- Colored sets

- Black lined sets

- Lesson Plan

- Step by Step Assignment Directions

- Student Samples

=====================================================

If you like this lesson, you may also like my other products in this category:

All Arts/Crafts/Projects Products

All Language Art Products

=====================================================

Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy this lesson.

• Check out my store https://www.TeachShare.com/store/Qiang-Ma for more lessons to help your students have fun while learning!

• Comments, suggestions, feedback and questions always welcomed!

• Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases. I value your feedback greatly!

• Be sure to click on the green ★ to follow me for updates and new product announcements!

=====================================================

This packet includes 2 essay templates that are useful for students who are just beginning to write an essay or for students who are going to write a rough draft after brainstorming.

If you download this product and like it, please leave me a quick positive review! :)

Inspire Your Students with Our Thanksgiving Turkey-Themed Writing Paper!

Perfect for fall and Thanksgiving activities, this fun turkey-shaped writing paper will make assignments more engaging. With charming clip art turkeys surrounding the main shape, students will enjoy writing their thoughts and stories in a festive way! Choose from six different line styles to fit your classroom needs, and each style is available with or without name and date lines for added convenience.

Ideal for creative writing, thankfulness prompts, or Thanksgiving-themed reflections, this paper adds a seasonal touch to any assignment.

Check out my store for more themed writing paper!

Get your students writing at a higher level by offering them a colorful and coordinated reference for your Writing Center!! This reference guide is ideal for middle school students to use during independent writing assignments. Whether it is class work, center work, writing workshop, or homework, it provides quality writing The pages can be placed in a folder, booklet, or even displayed in a writing center. It helps eliminate questions and shows students ways to write effectively. This is going to help your students work independently while writing. This product is geared toward middle school but can also be used in upper elementary. I make a bunch of these Writing Tools Folders and keep them in my Writing Center and love how it helps students become more organized and independent while writing.

This resource includes 8 Anchor Charts and 3 Cover Page Options

Character Traits which comes in 4 different colors with chevron and swirls styles. The chart contains over 100 character traits that students can use to refer to during various writing activities.

Elaboration Stems which features writing stems students can use while elaborating on evidence in their essays. This chart is essential because students can refer to them while writing but gradually start incorporating them as it becomes a force of habit.

**Other Ways to Say...**which offers students multiple synonyms for overused words such as happy or sad. Great for displaying in your writing center!

Transitions which includes a strong set of transitions every writer should be using to aid in the flow of their writing, whether it's for emphasizing, giving an example or concluding an essay!

Said is Dead! which features other words for said, which is terribly overused in my classroom when there are tons of better choices!

Use This...Not That! which features better word choices for commonly used words and expressions.

Mood...which offers a great choice of words that depict either a positive, negative, or neutral mood!

Tone...which offers a great choice of words that depict either a positive, negative, or neutral tone!

⭐️ LOOKING FOR MORE RELATABLE ACTIVITIES FOR TEENS?

Check out the Pop Culture ACTIVITY BUNDLE - your solution to no-stress lesson planning and easy print and go sub plans.

INCLUDES THESE HIGH-INTEREST TOPICS FOR TEENS...

⭐️ Crocs

⭐️ Netflix

⭐️ Takis

⭐️ Fortnite

⭐️ MrBeast

⭐️ Air Jordans

⭐️ TikTok

⭐️ OpenAI

6-Page Article & Activity Sets - Includes 8 Sets!

Each set includes...

► 1-page pop culture article

► Reading Comprehension - 7 multiple choice questions

► Critical Thinking - 5 short answer questions

► Crossword Puzzle

► Design Page

► Impossible MAZE

This Pop Culture Bundle for Middle School will make your students WANT to work and stay on task as they read about high-interest trending topics among teens. Also available for High School and Upper Elementary School.

Have a question?

Please check out the Q&A section or message me and I'll get back to you within 24 hours.

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**For personal and single classroom use only. If using with multiple classrooms, please purchase additional licenses at the discounted rate.**

★I would love to have you as my newest follower!★ Click here to follow

Looking to make your classroom more welcoming this back to school season?

This bright Writing Center Banner is a great way to welcome students and visitors into your classroom each day! It will liven up your space and motivate your students....plus, it's so cute!! Prints two letters per page for a total of 8 pages. There are also three printable pencils in different colors which can be printed out and attached to the banner to your liking.

**For personal and single classroom use only. If using with multiple classrooms, please purchase additional licenses at the discounted rate.**

Best of all, this banner coordinated perfectly with my best-selling Writing Tools Folder: get your students writing at a higher level by offering them a colorful and coordinated reference for your Writing Center!! This reference guide is ideal for middle school students to use during independent writing assignments. Whether it is class work, center work, writing workshop, or homework, it provides quality writing The pages can be placed in a folder, booklet, or even displayed in a writing center. It helps eliminate questions and shows students ways to write effectively. This is going to help your students work independently while writing. This product is geared toward middle school but can also be used in upper elementary. I make a bunch of these Writing Tools Folders and keep them in my Writing Center and love how it helps students become more organized and independent while writing.

This resource includes 8 Anchor Charts and 3 Cover Page Options

Character Traits which comes in 4 different colors with chevron and swirls styles. The chart contains over 100 character traits that students can use to refer to during various writing activities.

Elaboration Stems which features writing stems students can use while elaborating on evidence in their essays. This chart is essential because students can refer to them while writing but gradually start incorporating them as it becomes a force of habit.

**Other Ways to Say...**which offers students multiple synonyms for overused words such as happy or sad. Great for displaying in your writing center!

Transitions which includes a strong set of transitions every writer should be using to aid in the flow of their writing, whether it's for emphasizing, giving an example or concluding an essay!

Said is Dead! which features other words for said, which is terribly overused in my classroom when there are tons of better choices!

Use This...Not That! which features better word choices for commonly used words and expressions.

Mood...which offers a great choice of words that depict either a positive, negative, or neutral mood!

Tone...which offers a great choice of words that depict either a positive, negative, or neutral tone!

★★I would love to have you as my newest follower!★★ Click here to follow.

Simple, to the point 5 slide presentation that walks students through using For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So (FANBOYS) in their writings. Includes: Rules Tips Practice Exercises Peer Workshopping Component Meets Common Core Standards for grammar usage.

For Middle Grade Students, all writers have it, but do you know what style is and how to recognize it? This 15 page presentation for will help students understand and analyze their own writing styles, as well as other authors' styles. Easy to follow format will have students analyzing style in no time! Includes: Checklist for Authors Handout Definitions for Author's Style . Examples of Classic Literature and Fairy Tale to Analyze How to Find Author's Style in Writing Extra Style Analysis Activities Author's Style Workshopping Handout How and Why to Improve Student's author's style Terminologies and definitions include: Audience—listeners, readers, viewers of work Author’s voice—sets writing apart from others; uniqueness of writing Genre—category/organization pattern of writing Purpose—intent of writing Mood—reader’s emotion to the writing Tone—author’s attitude about subject matter Sentence fluency—cadence, flow, transitions used Sentence variety—lengths/mixture of sentences Word choices—descriptions, figurative language, repetitions, synonyms… Excellent for introducing style, writing concepts, standardized testing reviews, class assessments, college readiness, CCSS, literacy centers, and grammar/editing revisions, Students will be able to identify their authors' styles after working through this presentation.

Make using and working with symbolism collaborative, fun and educational (Meets CCSS) with this interactive writing project that focuses on 850 B.C. and the discovery of the Snake Circle: Includes: 1. KWL Chart 2. Extra Resources: Take a tour of Ancient Greece, learn about the lives of adults and children, and watch videos to understand the time period of 850 B.C. 3. Uncover its origin: The Snake Circle object came from the days of Homer, so explore its meaning with the use of two symbolism sheets. 4. Discuss and interpret the Snake Circle shield handout. 5. Write stories: choose a genre; then Peer Workshop essays 6. Color the shields--review students' colorful examples 7. Display for all to enjoy! Comes with: handouts to complete writings, students' samples, and class project photos. Everything needed for writing fun! Excellent for teaching how to interpret and use symbolism, reinforce concepts and skills, and working with multigenres. Combination of historical technology resources with writing and using literal concepts.

Students are Hollywood stars in this movie-themed, narrative writing project. Differentiated writing project Includes: Brainstorming handouts Plot line for upper level students Lined essay paper Credits/playbill page Directions for use Narrative definition Project Extensions for GT/AP Supplemental Resources Fun, engaging format for working with narrative writing. Use as introduction to narratives or for assessment purposes. Meets CCSS.

Need help with organizing cause and effect essays? These 7 charts will guide students through planning and pre-writing cause and effect essays. Step-by-Step graphic organizers with note about cause and effect definitions, paragraph writing tip, and writing challenge to reorganize the essay on each handout.

Excellent for assessment practice, college test prep, standardized test prep, and expository writing. Helps build critical thinking skills. Meets state and federal ELA guidelines.

Help your students master CVC words with this ultimate bundles CVC Unscramble Sentences with short vowels Fix-It, Write-It, Cut-and-Paste, and Draw-It Worksheets! This resource is packed with engaging activities designed to improve early reading, writing, and sentence-building skills, perfect for kindergarten and 1st-grade learners.

Each worksheet includes:

• Unscramble Sentences featuring CVC words to practice correct word order.
• A Fix-It section where students correct capitalization and punctuation.
• A Write-It section for students to rewrite the sentence independently.
• A Cut-and-Paste activity where students cut out words and rearrange them into a complete sentence.
• A Draw-It activity that encourages students to draw a picture related to the unscrambled sentence.

These hands-on activities are great for literacy centers, independent work, or morning tasks. Your students will have fun while strengthening their understanding of CVC words and sentence structure!

Help your students master CVC words with this interactive CVC Unscramble Sentences,short i Fix-It, Write-It, Cut-and-Paste, and Draw-It Worksheets! This resource is packed with engaging activities designed to improve early reading, writing, and sentence-building skills, perfect for kindergarten and 1st-grade learners.

Each worksheet includes:

• Unscramble Sentences featuring CVC words to practice correct word order.
• A Fix-It section where students correct capitalization and punctuation.
• A Write-It section for students to rewrite the sentence independently.
• A Cut-and-Paste activity where students cut out words and rearrange them into a complete sentence.
• A Draw-It activity that encourages students to draw a picture related to the unscrambled sentence.

These hands-on activities are great for literacy centers, independent work, or morning tasks. Your students will have fun while strengthening their understanding of CVC words and sentence structure!

Help your students master CVC words with this interactive CVC Unscramble Sentences,short a Fix-It, Write-It, Cut-and-Paste, and Draw-It Worksheets! This resource is packed with engaging activities designed to improve early reading, writing, and sentence-building skills, perfect for kindergarten and 1st-grade learners.

Each worksheet includes:

• Unscramble Sentences featuring CVC words to practice correct word order.
• A Fix-It section where students correct capitalization and punctuation.
• A Write-It section for students to rewrite the sentence independently.
• A Cut-and-Paste activity where students cut out words and rearrange them into a complete sentence.
• A Draw-It activity that encourages students to draw a picture related to the unscrambled sentence.

These hands-on activities are great for literacy centers, independent work, or morning tasks. Your students will have fun while strengthening their understanding of CVC words and sentence structure!

Covering Things Fall Apart? Don't know where to get started? This bundle is for you, it includes study guide, characterization booklet, introduction power point, essay on colonization is Africa, and graphic organizers.

*Update* TeachShare activities has been added to all activity files for distance learning so that you may use these products for online learning with your students.