• 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 podcast. In lesson 5, students may (1) present it out loud as a performance or (2) record it using a digital program.


• 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.


• This lesson can be further supported with access to a physical or digital thesaurus for students. Students can use these tools when thinking of powerful words that they can include in their writing.

• 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 present their podcast.


• A digital version of the final podcast 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 present their podcast with editing marks. If you choose not to have students recopy, no additional printouts are required for this lesson.


• Students may present their podcasts out loud with a partner in front of small groups or the class. If available, students can instead record their podcast using a digital program with recording features.

• 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.