This is a complete writer's workshop for you to use with your students. The accompanying PowerPoint includes introductions to the following topics: - What is Fantasy? - Choosing a topic - Picking a conflict, including an overview of sample fantasy books - Defining characters - Planning a plot - Organizing and outlining the story - Writing a rough draft - Revising - Submission of the finished product Also, I have included worksheets to go with each slide: - Choosing a topic using a fun, group activity that involves flying "spacecrafts" into a "universe" (see the sample) - Character descriptions - Planning a plot using a mind map - Outlining a plot that includes beginning, middle, and ending - Describing a setting using a checklist of possibilities This unit is totally student-driven and allows individuality within the framework of the assignment. I have not included a grading rubric because any writing rubric you currently use is applicable.

This is a complete writer’s workshop for you to use with your students. The best part of this unit is the included original mystery story. I am a retired language arts teacher and former instructor for The Institute of Children’s Literature. Throughout this unit, your students will see the formation of my finished story from choosing a title through developing characters, planting clues, and resolving the conclusion. See the revised story I have included as a sample for your students to witness the author’s craft! The accompanying PowerPoint includes introductions on the following topics: - Characteristics of mystery and suspense - Mystery writer’s vocabulary - Examples of published mysteries with synopses - Choosing a theme - Defining characters - Describing a setting - Adding clues, props, and red herrings - Planning a plot - Organizing and outlining the story - Writing a rough draft - Revising - Submission of the finished product Also, I have included worksheets to go with each slide: - Vocabulary puzzle with answers - Development of story themes - Description of characters - Determining a setting - Timeline of clues - Choosing props, clues, and red herrings This unit is totally student-driven and allows individuality within the framework of the assignment. I have not included a grading rubric because any writing rubric you currently use is applicable.

This PowerPoint presentation on Figurative Language covers the following topics: Similes Metaphors Alliteration Onomatopoeia Personification Hyperbole Idioms Adages Oxymorons Allusion Each slide provides a definition, examples, and a mini-quiz for discussion. Also included is a 12-page teacher's guide that includes worksheets, a quiz, accompanying resources, and an answer key.

Do your students forget to use commas in their written assignments? This PowerPoint presentation will give your students a fun look at the life of a comma. Each slide covers a different comma personality: * The Marching Comma * The Independent Comma * The Welcome Mat Comma * The Comma Twins * How-Does-It-Happen Comma * The Gossip Comma * The Contrary Comma * The Time and Place Comma * The Name Comma * The Weighty Comma Your students will love this new way to understand the use of commas in their creative writing!