8th Grade Writing-Essays Handouts (by date, latest first)

Spark your students' imaginations with these engaging Easter-themed narrative writing prompts! This bundle offers two exciting storylines to inspire creative writing and storytelling.

What's Included:

• Benny the Bunny's Easter Surprise: Challenge students to write a story about a silent bunny who can only speak on Easter Day. Encourage them to develop the plot, characters, and setting to create a captivating tale.
• Not Bunny, But... Egg-cellent Surprise! Ignite curiosity with this unexpected twist! Students will craft a story around a creature that hatches from an Easter egg, exploring imaginative possibilities and character development.

These writing prompts offer opportunities for students to practice descriptive language, plot development, and character building while having fun with the Easter theme.

Don't forget to share with me how it went with your little ones. I hope it was useful in your classroom.

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Unleash your students' creativity with this Halloween-themed writing bundle!

This engaging resource combines narrative writing and persuasive writing prompts to inspire your students' imaginations and hone their writing skills.

What's Included:

• Narrative Writing Prompts: Spooky and fun prompts to encourage students to write creative stories.
• Persuasive Writing Prompts: Topics related to Halloween that require students to argue their point of view.
• Writing Templates: Optional templates to provide structure and guidance for students.
• Rubric: A scoring rubric to help students assess their writing.

How it Works:

1. Choose a Prompt: Students select a narrative or persuasive writing prompt.
2. Plan and Write: Students brainstorm ideas, develop a plot, and write their story or persuasive piece.
3. Revise and Edit: Students review their writing for clarity, coherence, and grammar.
4. Share and Reflect: Students share their work with classmates and receive feedback.

Benefits:

• Engaging and Fun: The Halloween theme makes writing more exciting and enjoyable.
• Improves Writing Skills: Helps students develop their narrative and persuasive writing abilities.
• Sparks Creativity: Encourages students to think outside the box and create unique stories.
• Promotes Critical Thinking: Challenges students to analyze and argue their point of view.

Don't forget to share with me how it went with your little ones. I hope it was useful in your classroom.

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Spark Your Students' Creativity with These Engaging Templates!

This resource offers 7 fun and engaging narrative writing templates to inspire your students' imaginations.

What's Included:

• 7 Narrative Writing Templates: A variety of templates to spark different writing styles and genres.

Benefits:

• Engaging and Fun: The templates provide a structured framework for writing while allowing for creativity.
• Improves Writing Skills: Helps students develop their storytelling abilities, vocabulary, and grammar.
• Sparks Imagination: Encourages students to think outside the box and explore different genres.
• Promotes Critical Thinking: Challenges students to analyze characters, plot, and setting.

Don't forget to share with me how it went with your little ones. I hope it was useful in your classroom.

If you like this product, follow my store -Mettry Teaches- for more.

This fun and engaging burger-themed rubric makes writing expectations clear and understandable for students. With four clear levels of achievement, this rubric provides valuable guidance for students to improve their writing skills.

What's Included:

• Four-Level Rubric: Detailed criteria for each level, from "Incomplete Work" to "Above and Beyond," covering essential writing elements.
• Versatile Format: Suitable for both classroom posters and individual student printouts as a guide for each student's binder/writing assignment.

⭐Writing Attempts:

Narrative
Christmas: Trapped in a Snow Globe | My Snowman Came to Life
Thanksgiving: How the Turkey Escaped Thanksgiving Dinner | How the Turkey Escaped Thanksgiving Dinner

Others: Journey to the Center of the Earth | Forms of Energy in my Car - Science, Art & WRITING Project

Easter: Benny the Bunny - Easter's Surprise | NOT Bunny - Eggcelent Easter/Spring Surprise

Halloween: Trapped in a Haunted House

Persuasive | Dear Santa - Villains Edition | Who Will Guide the Sleigh | Halloween: Can I Keep My Witch?

Don't forget to share with me how it went with your little ones. I hope it was useful in your classroom.

If you like this product, follow my store -Mettry Teaches- for more.

This fun and engaging burger-themed rubric makes writing expectations clear and understandable for students. With four clear levels of achievement, this rubric provides valuable guidance for students to improve their writing skills.

What's Included:

• Four-Level Rubric: Detailed criteria for each level, from "Incomplete Work" to "Above and Beyond," covering essential writing elements.
• Versatile Format: Suitable for both classroom posters and individual student printouts as a guide for each student's binder/writing assignment.

⭐Writing Attempts:

Narrative
Christmas: Trapped in a Snow Globe | My Snowman Came to Life
Thanksgiving: How the Turkey Escaped Thanksgiving Dinner | How the Turkey Escaped Thanksgiving Dinner

Others: Journey to the Center of the Earth | Forms of Energy in my Car - Science, Art & WRITING Project

Easter: Benny the Bunny - Easter's Surprise | NOT Bunny - Eggcelent Easter/Spring Surprise

Halloween: Trapped in a Haunted House

Persuasive | Dear Santa - Villains Edition | Who Will Guide the Sleigh | Halloween: Can I Keep My Witch?

Don't forget to share with me how it went with your little ones. I hope it was useful in your classroom.

If you like this product, follow my store -Mettry Teaches- for more.

Engage your students in a creative writing activity that combines imagination, persuasion, and argumentation. This resource provides students with a compelling prompt to write a persuasive letter to their parents, arguing why their witch should remain a permanent member of the family!

What's Included?

• Customize the witch's face to match their imagination.
• Start with opinion and reasons.
• Continue to write the essay.

Don't forget to share with me how it went with your little ones. I hope it was useful in your classroom.

If you like this product, follow my store -Mettry Teaches- for more.

Calling all reformed villains! This holiday season, ditch the coal and rewrite your story. This activity allows students to use their imagination and persuasive writing skills to convince Santa Claus they deserve a spot on the nice list!

What's Included:

• Reformed Villain Graphic Organizer: Help students brainstorm and visualize their villainous character and their path to redemption.
• Persuasive Letter to Santa Template: Provide a structured format for students to craft their convincing arguments.
• List of Infamous Villains: Offer inspiration and a starting point for character selection.

⭐Want more writing for Christmas?⭐

Trapped in a Snow Globe | Narrative Writing

Who Will Guide The Sleigh | Persuasive Writing**⭐**

⭐Thanksgiving narrative writing: How the Turkey Escaped Thanksgiving Dinner**⭐**

⭐Journey to the center of the Earth narrative/descriptive: Earth Layers**⭐**

Don't forget to share with me how it went with your little ones. I hope it was useful in your classroom.

If you like this product, follow my store -Mettry Teaches- for more.

It's one thing to tell students that their papers need to be in MLA format, but it's another to actually give them an example AND the steps to make those adjustments. This comprehensive checklist is a perfect tool to help your students learn for themselves in our digital world - starting with adjusting their essays to MLA format on Google Docs!

What is this resource?

This resource provides students with a labeled example of an essay written in MLA format, as well as a step-by-step guide on how to make each adjustment in Google Docs. This guide even includes icon images so students can get a visual of what these tools look like!

How do I use this in my classroom?

In my writing units, I format the students' rough drafts before I assign it to them on Google Classroom, but they have to format their papers themselves when it comes time for them to type up their final drafts. I give them this checklist when I first assign the Final Draft assignment and give them time to follow the steps themselves. I facilitate and answer questions as needed.

What's Included?

• A Comprehensive Checklist of steps to follow in order to adjust an essay to be in MLA format on Google Docs - in color!
• Black & White option of the Checklist
• A clearly-labeled example of an essay typed in MLA format

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6th, 7th, AND 8th Grade ELA Common Core State Standards DIGITAL Checklist BUNDLE

An easy-to-follow, 14-page guide for understanding and writing literature analysis. Includes: Individual/Group activities Writing process approach Definitions Purpose Goal Options Terminologies for students to look up and define Steps for analyzing Critical thinking components Literary Prior Knowledge Handout Worksheet for Analyzing Literature Extra Resources (Video and more...) Interactive approach to understanding how to properly begin, write, and complete literary analysis essays. Be sure to build a class model!

Make using and working with symbolism collaborative, fun and educational (Meets CCSS) with this interactive writing project that focuses on 850 B.C. and the discovery of the Snake Circle: Includes: 1. KWL Chart 2. Extra Resources: Take a tour of Ancient Greece, learn about the lives of adults and children, and watch videos to understand the time period of 850 B.C. 3. Uncover its origin: The Snake Circle object came from the days of Homer, so explore its meaning with the use of two symbolism sheets. 4. Discuss and interpret the Snake Circle shield handout. 5. Write stories: choose a genre; then Peer Workshop essays 6. Color the shields--review students' colorful examples 7. Display for all to enjoy! Comes with: handouts to complete writings, students' samples, and class project photos. Everything needed for writing fun! Excellent for teaching how to interpret and use symbolism, reinforce concepts and skills, and working with multigenres. Combination of historical technology resources with writing and using literal concepts.

Students are Hollywood stars in this movie-themed, narrative writing project. Differentiated writing project Includes: Brainstorming handouts Plot line for upper level students Lined essay paper Credits/playbill page Directions for use Narrative definition Project Extensions for GT/AP Supplemental Resources Fun, engaging format for working with narrative writing. Use as introduction to narratives or for assessment purposes. Meets CCSS.

Free checklist of parts of an introductory literary analysis for AP, Pre-AP, G/T, college level writers. Students are asked to locate: Hook--different kinds list Author's name Title of text Summary Area of literary analysis list Thesis, and write down your thesis Makes writing an introduction for a literary analysis easier to understand. Great for ELA test prep! Meets CCSS.

Need help with organizing cause and effect essays? These 7 charts will guide students through planning and pre-writing cause and effect essays. Step-by-Step graphic organizers with note about cause and effect definitions, paragraph writing tip, and writing challenge to reorganize the essay on each handout.

Excellent for assessment practice, college test prep, standardized test prep, and expository writing. Helps build critical thinking skills. Meets state and federal ELA guidelines.

This pumpkin bundle for October and november is wonderful for weekly or monthly spelling tests. Each product is fall theme and contains different number of words, it keeps learners engaged while working! It offers a variety of printables (10, 15, 20 and 25 words spelling test papers , versions: dotted lines, single lines, etc.) that can best fit your classroom needs!

This sheet can be used for: Spelling pre-test, Spelling test, Writing test and Sentence Dictations, It is nice because it is pre-numbered and has primary lines for neat handwriting. Perfect for educators seeking efficiency and clarity, this resource includes two versions: One with single-line paper featuring regular numbers, and another with dotted-line paper.

Ways to use this product:

• Whole Group Instruction
• Small Group Instruction
• Homework
• Centers
• Special Education
• Distance Learning

Why use this resource:

• Festive Theme: Engaging fall pumpkins design makes learning fun.
• Eco-Friendly: Two templates per page to reduce paper waste.
• Pre-Test Version: Helps assess student knowledge before the main test.
• Color Options: Available in black-and-white and color for flexibility.
• Variety in Format: Handwriting and normal lines cater to different needs.
• Time-Saving: Ready-to-use template simplifies lesson preparation.
• Versatile: Adaptable for various grade levels and spelling lists.

You may like:

• Polygons for beginners.
• Coordinate for beginners.
• Fractions for beginners.

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• Spelling test paper 25 words
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This cloud of thoughts cute simple and basic graphic organizer is a great tool for students to benefit from brainstorming activities. It is can be used to many different books in any curriculum or else. Two versions are avalaible.

You may like:

• Polygons for beginners.
• Coordinate for beginners.
• Fractions for beginners.

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All the resources I make are free for the first 24 hours! so follow my store <3 to stay updated every time I post.

This 3-page form asks students to specifically rate their performance on the 6 components of effective effort on a given essay: TIME, FOCUS, RESOURCEFULNESS, USE OF STRATEGIES, USE OF FEEDBACK, and COMMITMENT. This product is modeled after teachings from The Skillful Teacher by Jon Saphier, Mary Ann Haley-Speca, and Robert Gower and encourages a growth mindset in students. I provide this form to my students every single time I assign a paper and am always pleasantly surprised at how honest they are in their responses, especially as the incentive for guessing their grade is 2 bonus points! ____________________________________________________________________________ Also, check out this great lesson plan for teaching Effective Effort by Language Arts Excellence: ⭐Effective Effort Lesson Plan ____________________________________________________________________________ ⭐Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence⭐

This 3-page form asks students to specifically rate their performance on the 6 components of effective effort on a given essay: TIME, FOCUS, RESOURCEFULNESS, USE OF STRATEGIES, USE OF FEEDBACK, and COMMITMENT. This product is modeled after teachings from The Skillful Teacher by Jon Saphier, Mary Ann Haley-Speca, and Robert Gower and encourages a growth mindset in students. I provide this form to my students every single time I assign a paper and am always pleasantly surprised at how honest they are in their responses, especially as the incentive for guessing their grade is 2 bonus points! ____________________________________________________________________________ Also, check out this great lesson plan for teaching Effective Effort by Language Arts Excellence: ⭐Effective Effort Lesson Plan ____________________________________________________________________________ ⭐Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence⭐

This product has 3 parts. First, there is a hi-lighting activity that requires students to go back into an Argument Essay they've already written and color-code the different essential parts of their writing. You could post this assignment on Google classroom or project the directions onto the Smart Board. The second part is a checklist for Argument Writing. You will make a copy for each student. The students could use it themselves for self- assessment, OR they could switch and use it for peer feedback. Finally, there is a very helpful chart that includes transition words for Argument Writing, including power words, transition words, turnback words, and counter argument words. You can copy this for all students, hang it on the wall, project it on the Smart Board, or post it on Google classroom. My students keep this in their binders to refer to all year long.

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Looking for a final writing assignment on Shakespeare's Julius Caesar? This resource features everything you'll need to lead students through the process of writing an analytical essay about Julius Caesar.

The resource features 5 writing prompts which will motivate students to think with nuance about important themes in the play. The resource also includes scaffolding to help students select evidence, generate an outline, and begin writing. For teachers, the resource features an assessment rubric which can be used to grade and provide feedback on students' analytical writing.

As a bonus, this resource also features a two-page handout on how to embed quotations within an analytical essay. The handout provides students with three techniques for framing textual evidence: the block quotation, the clause-and-colon method, and the integration of short quotations into one's own sentence.

Here's what you'll find in this editable 10-page resource:

• Analytical Writing Assignment: Challenge students to take their interpretations one step further by writing an analytical paper on Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Let students choose from one of 5 thought-provoking sample topics — or invite them to develop a topic of their own. Writing schedule, outline template, and rubric included. (4 pages)
• Framing Quotations: This handout provides students with advice about how to embed textual evidence into a body paragraph. The handout familiarizes students with three different methods for framing quotations: the block quotation, the clause-and-colon method, and the integration of key words and phrases within one's own sentence. (2 pages)
• Outline Template: Provide students with the scaffolding necessary to write a five-paragraph essay. This outline template challenges students to fill in a text box for every part of their essay: hook, thesis, topic sentences, evidence, analysis, and conclusion. (3 pages)
• Assessment Rubric: Evaluate student essays in a quick and efficient manner by using an analytical writing rubric. (1 page)

The entire unit will come to you in two separate formats: Word Docs *and* PDFs. Because the Word docs are fully editable, you'll be able to customize them to match the skill levels of your students year after year. If you don't have Microsoft Word, you'll still be able to access PDF versions which are easy to navigate and quick to print.

Rigorous Resources is your one-stop shop for top-quality resources on William Shakespeare. Wishing you an amazing experience with teaching the Julius Caesar. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I love hearing from fellow teachers who share a passion for great literature! 

Happy teaching!

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

P.S. Remember to “follow” my store to receive email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!

Feel free to check out these complete units on Shakespeare's masterpieces:

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Romeo and Juliet

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Julius Caesar

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Macbeth

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Othello

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Hamlet

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Much Ado About Nothing

INTRO TO SHAKESPEARE: Biography, Globe Theater, Language, & Meter

This handout provides a thorough and clear explanation of how to properly embed quotations within a paper. The handout will introduce students to the three methods they should be using to introduce textual evidence. It offers a lucid account of how to properly punctuate quotations, how to properly alter quotations, and how to properly cite evidence from different literary genres (novel, plays, poems, etc).

Tired of reading papers in which students repeat the exact same phrases to introduce a series of quotations? Tired of reading papers in which students contextualize evidence by writing, On page 34, it says, "blah blah" ?? Look no further! I developed this resource after listening to my talented English colleagues chat about their shared frustrations over how students frame quotations in their papers. If the teachers at your school are facing similar frustrations, then you might find this handout to be helpful.

As it turns out, there are only three strategies that writers employ when embedding quotations in a paper. This handout explains when and how students should use each of the three strategies:

1. Block Quotations: The best technique for framing a long quotation is to use a block quotation. The examples in this handout will model not only how to punctuate a block quotation but also how to follow up with analysis by picking out key words from the quotation and unpacking their significance.

2. Clause-and-Colon Method: The best technique for framing a mid-sized quotation is to introduce the quotation with an independent clause followed by a colon (:). The examples in this handout will model the grammatically correct way to use a colon to set up a quotation.

3. Integration-of-Keywords Method: The best technique for framing shorter quotations is to integrate the quotations into the writer's own sentences. The examples in this handout demonstrate how to integrate quotations seamlessly into the flow of one's sentences.

Here's my suggestion for how to use this handout. What I'd recommend is that you distribute this handout to your students before you distribute your next writing assignment. After reading and discussing each of the three methods, you might announce that all students will be required to utilize both the "clause-and-colon method" and the "integration-of-keywords method" at least once in their next papers. Should you do that, I promise their papers will improve!

My store is called “Rigorous Resources” because all of the materials prioritize rigorous content over decorative graphics. While there are plenty of sellers whose lessons feature beautiful design elements, my resources promise to improve students' writing by equipping them with practical skills used by published academic writers.

The previews for my resources provide direct access to several pages of exemplary materials. Hit the green “Preview” button to see exactly what you’ll get. . . .

This 3-page document will come to you in two separate formats: a Word doc *and* a PDF. Because the Word doc is editable, you'll be able to costumize the resource to suit the skill levels of your students — year after year! If you don't have Microsoft Word, you'll still be able to access the resource as a PDF — which is easy to navigate and quick to print.

If there's anything I can do to support your amazing work in the classroom, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Thank you for choosing “Rigorous Resources”!!

Happy teaching!

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

P.S. Don't forget to click “follow” for email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!

Feel free to check out these other resources on writing:

How to Write a College Application Essay

How to Write an Analytical Essay

How to Write an Poem Analysis Essay (AP Lit FRQ 1)

Figurative Language Stations