Blog - Porter Has Class

Student Response to Speak in 2023

Post published:November 19, 2023
Post category:Student Work

Classroom Details Before our most recent anchor unit in class, I encouraged my students to sample a selection of books in a "book tasting." After the students finished sampling the variety of books, I asked them to vote for the book they'd like to read as a class, and the majority chose Laurie Halse Anderson's novel, Speak. I believe most of them enjoyed the opportunity to choose what we read in class. While some students voiced that they preferred their book choice to win the vote, I believe most enjoyed Speak and the activities we did during the unit. The…

The Ultimate Guide to Writing Strong Thesis Statements

Post published:October 7, 2023
Post category:Writer's Workshop

Introduction: We've covered hooks in "Writing Effective Hooks: A Comprehensive for Teachers and Students" and TAG summary statements in "Crafting Compelling Introductions: The TAG Summary Sentence." We are breaking down effective thesis statements in the third installment of our Writer's Workshop. A compelling thesis statement is the cornerstone of any well-structured essay or research paper. It serves as the roadmap for your entire piece, guiding you as the writer and your readers. In this blog post, we'll analyze the art of composing effective thesis and claim statements, exploring their similarities and differences to help you sharpen your academic writing skills.…

Crafting Compelling Introductions: The TAG Summary Sentence

Post published:September 30, 2023
Post category:Writer's Workshop

Introduction: Have you ever wondered how to keep your readers hooked from the very beginning? Last week, we learned how to grab the audience's attention with our blog "Writing Effective Hooks: A Comprehensive Guide for Teachers and Students." But what's the next step? How can you maintain that attention and lead your readers to the heart of your writing? Today, we have the answer—a powerful technique known as the TAG Summary sentence. TAG writing is an invaluable tool when crafting introductions that grab your reader's attention and set the stage for your academic papers, reports, or essays. TAG stands for…

Writing Effective Hooks: A Comprehensive Guide for Teachers and Students

Post published:September 24, 2023
Post category:Writer's Workshop

The power of an engaging introduction cannot be overstated in the writing world. Whether you're a teacher striving to inspire your students or a student looking to ace your next essay, the ability to hook your readers right from the start is a valuable skill. After all, the first few lines of your writing can make or break the reader's interest. This comprehensive guide will delve into the art of crafting effective introductions that captivate your audience and keep them engaged throughout your piece. Understanding the Importance of a Strong Introduction Setting the Tone: An introduction sets the tone for…