Students examine how authors use language by examining purpose, figurative language, voice, and more.
Author's Craft unit contains 4 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in Author's Craft Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
What Is the Author Trying to Say?
Students identify three purposes of writing—to persuade, to inform, and to entertain—and they read samples of each type of writing. Then, they examine text features and determine how they help the author convey purpose and meaning. Finally, they read various excerpts and practice identifying the author’s purpose and meaning.
Using Figurative Language
Students learn about different types of figurative language that authors use to make their writing more entertaining and to enhance the images readers make in their minds as they read. They identify and write their own examples of similes, metaphors, personification, alliteration, and assonance. Finally, they write their own text that includes examples of figurative language.
Author’s Voice
Students learn about author’s voice and how authors choose words to develop a unique style. Next, they read a variety of texts and identify the voice of the text. Then, students write their own stories and work on their voices as writers.
Anecdotes
Students analyze an anecdote and explain why the author wrote it. Then, they read a passage to identify the anecdotal parts and examine how anecdotes use engaging word choice. Finally, they write their own stories that include anecdotes.
