• 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.

• At the end of this unit, students will have a written message. In lesson 5, students will share their message with the class.


• 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.


• Word Banks can be printed in another color to help students keep track of all their pages.

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.

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.


• 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 recopy their work but before they share their message.


• A digital version of the final “Cast Your Vote” worksheet is available if you wish to have students type their final draft. Students will need to make a copy of the document. If time does not allow for recopying, students can edit their first draft and share their message with editing marks. If you choose not to have students recopy, no additional printouts are required for this lesson.


• Students may share their message with a partner or with the class.

• 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.