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A Little More Than Just People: Juanita Nelson

School: Four Rivers Charter Public School

City/State: Greenfield, MA

Grade(s): 8

Format(s): Interview(s)

Subject(s): English Language Arts, Social Studies

Type(s): Narrative

Writing Assignment Description

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” to people living in their area. This product was part of a learning expedition on communities through history: using the lens of analyzing how individuals affect communities, students studied civilizations from the perspective of how particular individuals shaped them.

How This Writing Can Be Useful

  • Sophisticated example of conveying ideas, concepts, and information through careful analysis, selection, and organization of content
  • The piece includes several relevant, well-chosen facts, concrete details, and quotations
  • Clear, coherent writing

Relevant Resources

A Little More Than Just People - Project
A Little More Than Just People: Illuminating Standards Video

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
W.8.2
  • I can write informative/explanatory texts that convey ideas and concepts using relevant information that is carefully selected and organized.
W.8.5
  • With support from peers and adults, I can use the writing process to ensure that purpose and audience have been addressed.
W.8.6
  • I can use technology to collaborate with others while producing and publishing writing.
W.8.4
  • I can produce clear and coherent writing that is appropriate to task, purpose and audience.
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