In this workshop, students learn how to research and write a biographical sketch.  The workshop, for grades 3-5, consists of six 30-60 minute lessons.

Students learn and discuss the standard elements of a biography.  They select a current or historic figure to write about.  Then they practice writing short biographies.

They provide each other feedback on what they’ve written.  They publish final drafts for reading aloud and classroom displays.

Youth Voices is a meeting place where teachers and students can share, distribute and discuss their digital work in a format similar to Twitter.  As it was designed for K-12 students, it provides a more secure environment than Twitter.  Teachers can create a group for their class, grade level or school.  The teacher decides who can join the group and who can view the group’s work online and contribute.  Teachers can also create faculty working groups.  Registration with an email address is required.

Create your own comix strip with this online tool. Designed for students, the comix provide several characters and moods to spur their creativity in writing. Zimmerman provides extensive lesson ideas for use in the classroom, and with special needs and ESOL students.

This site provides free unedited writing samples for students in grades 4-8. The sample paragraphs are sorted by month and themes common to monthly events and traditions. Each writing sample has ten errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling for students to correct.

For teachers, the site includes corrected copy and ideas on how to use the writing samples in the classroom. Teachers are free to make copies of the materials for use in their classes.

This site discusses the role of graphic organizers in writing.  It uses five broad categories:  Star/Web, Chart/Matrix, Tree/Map, Chain, and Sketch.  It then defines the various types of writing and provides links to types of charts most useful in specific writing purposes.