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. Then, they examine text features and determine how they help the author convey purpose and meaning. They work in groups to identify what text features can be added to a text to make it easier for readers to understand. Finally, they read a passage and identify what essential information is missing from the text and revise the piece to improve it.
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.
Literary Devices
Students learn what a stereotype is and how authors use stereotyping. Then, they read a tall tale to analyze hyperbole and write their own examples. Next, they examine anecdotes. Finally, they write a brief passage containing an anecdote and hyperbole.
