Writing distinguished by voice, imagination, and impact

Listen, listen to her every whim

The Dancing Prince

Grade(s):

1

This piece is a freewrite created before the advent of the Common Core. Although the task wasn't designed to address Common Core standards, it is a strong representation of third grade Writing standard 3.

we used spoons, forceps, shallow pans, and buckets

Testing the Waters

Grade(s):

5

Fifth grade students at the Genesee Community Charter School in Rochester, New York created this scientific report as part of a three-month learning expedition on water quality and the risks of pollution.

It could also lead to invisibility cloaks and quantum computers

Article Research and Analysis

Grade(s):

9

Conducting experimental work and writing lab reports are the foundation of every science class because they cultivate a student’s ability to think like a scientist, which is fundamental in understanding the processes and concepts that underlie all science disciplines.

the life of a community follows a plot

A Little More Than Just People: Juanita Nelson

Grade(s):

8

Eighth grade students from the Four Rivers Charter School, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, created a book of “monologues of community cultivators.” Students studied people from their community, who both through their vocation or avocation, worked on behalf of their local communities and “gave back”

How in the world could mentioning a box stir up so much rage in him?

Chipped: A Dystopian Story

Grade(s):

8

Guiding Questions:
Who decides what is right?
How do rights get taken away?

even if she survives she won't learn anything there

Second Chances and Assistance

Grade(s):

9

A class of 9th graders at The Met High School in Providence, Rhode Island spent their first trimester learning about different philosophies of justice through watching, discussing and writing about Michael Sandel's Justice lectures, made free online by Harvard University. 

it feels comfortable here and the sky is so beautiful

Trees Are Trees

Grade(s):

K

Kindergarten students at The College School in St. Louis, Missouri created a book of poetry, letters and artwork. Each poem about trees is accompanied by a colorful drawing. Students spent considerable time outdoors making observations, drawing, writing and exploring.

my mother is my motivation to push forward

Name Essay - Erika Cabrera

Grade(s):

12

The author gives a brief portrait of her life and motivation through unpacking the origin and meaning of her first, middle and last names.

They have their whole world turned inside out.

Refugee Essay - Hope

Grade(s):

7, 8

As part of the unit, Finding Home: Refugees, students read the novel Inside Out and Back Again, plus another book of their choice, to explain the universal refugee experience. 

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