• This activity can be used as a way to see student progress before the unit begins. This activity can also be used as a practice activity if not scored.


• The standards-based Teacher Rubric for the pre- and post-assessment is the same. Try this: Score student pre-assessments in one color on the rubric. Use a different color on the same rubric to score the post-assessment later on. A quick glance will show student growth and areas for further support.


• The Student Checklist for the pre- and post-assessment is the same and can be used as a student self-assessment to guide revision or to set future writing goals.

• Each worksheet in this unit will be used across multiple lessons. These worksheets are labeled as VIPs (Very Important Papers).


• We suggest teachers make sure each student has a designated location (such as a folder) to store papers between lessons.


• This lesson is separated into two parts and can be taught in two different sessions if needed. A natural stopping point is included after students plan their character.

• Students will need to bring their completed work from the previous lesson to this lesson.


• It is important that students do not write on the back of their draft pages because these pages will be folded into a book later on. When students run out of writing space, they should continue on an extra writing page listed in the materials section.

Students will need to bring their completed work from the previous lesson to this lesson.

• Students will need to bring their completed work from the previous lesson to this lesson.


• It is important that students do not write on the back of their draft pages because these pages will be folded into a book later on. When students run out of writing space, they should continue on an extra writing page listed in the materials section.

• Students will need to bring their completed work from the previous lesson to this lesson.


• It is important that students do not write on the back of their draft pages because these pages will be folded into a book later on. When students run out of writing space, they should continue on an extra writing page listed in the materials section.

• This activity can be used as a way to see student progress after the unit ends. This activity can also be used as a practice activity if not scored.


• The standards-based Teacher Rubric for the pre- and post-assessment is the same. Try this: Score student pre-assessments in one color on the rubric. Use a different color on the same rubric to score the post-assessment later on. A quick glance will show student growth and areas for further support.


• The Student Checklist for the pre- and post-assessment is the same and can be used as a student self-assessment to guide revision or to set future writing goals.