Strong grammar and writing skills are essential for success both inside and outside the classroom. To help you teach these skills to your students, we’ve gathered our favorite free lesson plans from the English Teacher’s Free Library. Easy to implement in your curriculum, these downloadable lessons are designed to help your students build confidence in their writing and grammar abilities!
Slang Parts of Speech Lesson Plan
Mid, sus, drip, facts: these are slang words your students probably use every day. Why not apply their generational jargon to their grammar studies? Intended for middle and high school students, this lesson plan is both educational and entertaining! Your students will learn how to identify parts of speech using common slang words spoken today—all classroom appropriate, of course.
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Writing Arguments in Response to Nonfiction Lesson Plan
Introduce your students to the logical argument by going over the three most common forms of argument writing. By identifying the differences between fact and opinion and emotion and logic, as well as understanding an author’s point of view and purpose, your students will be better prepared to write their own organized, logical arguments.
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Nonfiction: McCarthy’s "Enemies from Within" Speech Lesson Plan
Foster an understanding of rhetorical devices with this lesson plan focused on Joseph McCarthy’s “Enemies from Within” speech. Your students will assess the validity of McCarthy’s arguments and determine the actual meaning behind the words and phrases he uses.
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Rhetorical Devices in Political Speeches Lesson Plan
Using examples from famous political speeches, you’ll introduce your students to commonly used rhetorical devices such as metaphor and alliteration. By the end of the lesson, your students will be able to make their own comments on the effect of rhetorical devices and utilize these tools within their own writing.
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Connotation vs. Denotation Lesson Plan
In the English language, words can carry various definitions, which can make learning new vocabulary both challenging and exciting. With this free lesson plan, you’ll introduce your students to the concept of connotative and denotative meanings and instruct them on the three ways in which connotations add meaning. By the end of the lesson, your students will understand how meaning is dependent on word choice.
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Examining Author's Purpose in Reagan's "Tear Down This Wall" Speech Lesson Plan
While it’s remembered for its historic significance, Ronald Reagan's "Tear Down This Wall" speech is also famous for its use of rhetoric. Use this free lesson plan based on the speech to introduce your students to the concept of bias, teach them how to identify an author’s purpose in a nonfiction text, and prepare them for critical reading of nonfiction texts.
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Writing a Thesis Statement Lesson Plan
This free activity provides students an opportunity to consider their prompt and develop a claim that is effective and arguable. Three handouts are included in each download, with the teacher version also containing instructions on how to conduct the workshop. This lesson plan can be used with any persuasive, argumentative, or research-based essay.
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ELA Diagnostic Assessment
To help you get a better view of your students’ current grammar, writing, and reading skills, try using this free diagnostic tool for grades 9-12! After students complete the diagnostic assessment, you’ll be able to pinpoint exactly where they are struggling and use that information to shape your curriculum.
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7 Stages of the Writing Process Poster
There’s a lot more to writing than simply jotting down ideas on a page. Effective writers know that the writing process is essential to creating powerful, compelling work. This classroom poster outlines the seven steps students should take when writing essays, creative pieces, presentations, or any other projects for class.
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Visit the English Teacher’s Free Library to find hundreds of downloadable resources for teaching reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and literature! From posters and puzzles to lesson plans and eBooks, there’s something for every English classroom!