Grades 9–12
1.5 Hours
Memoir, Narrative
VideosFirst, find a cozy spot that is free of noise and distractions, if possible. Then, watch Jason Reynolds read his poem, “For Every One.” Keep a notebook and a writing utensil nearby so you can write down words or phrases that catch your attention as you watch.
Once you have finished watching the video, look at the list of words and phrases from the video that you connected with. Quietly reflect on why those phrases resonated with you and free-write a short paragraph about your answers. Here are a few questions to start with:
Next, in your notebook, make a list of your current dreams for the future. Here are a few questions to get you started:
Last, write a letter to yourself in your notebook. In your letter, address your dreams, going into greater detail about at least 2 of them:
Leave yourself words of encouragement throughout your letter, as well. You are the person who knows you best: What advice would you give your future self?
Sign your letter with your name and write the current date. Put your letter into the envelope and label it with your name. Stash it some place safe and return to it whenever you need a reminder of your dreams or words of encouragement. You could also scan your letter into a computer, so you never lose it.
Optional extension: Check out Jason Reynolds’ Spark, “A Place Worth Being,” for more writing inspiration.
by 826 National
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by Javier Zamora, 826 Valenica alumni and New York Times bestselling author
Author Javier Zamora was an undocumented immigrant when he was a student. Now, he invites you to raise your voice and write to the next President of the United States.
by Natalie Moore
In this lesson, you will use journal entries as inspiration for a dynamic narrative poem.
by Amanda Gorman
Presidential Inaugural Poet, activist, and bestselling author Amanda Gorman shares one of her favorite techniques for starting a poem or getting over writers' block.
by 826 National
Law student Brenda Quintanilla shares how writing is a vital tool to use when advocating for your community.
by 826 National
Nicole Dungca, Investigative Reporter at The Washington Post and President of the Asian American Journalists Association, shares strategies for asking key questions.
by 826 National
In this lesson, you will learn a strategy for writing down your thoughts and feelings to understand them more clearly.
by Amy Dupcak, 826NYC
Writer and teaching artist with 826NYC, Amy Dupcak, shares a memoir writing prompts that helps students use specific sensory language to describe a place they love.
by 826 National
Television writer and showrunner Tim McKeon shares how he became a scriptwriter and the valuable skills you'll need if you'd like to become one too.
by 826 National
Revision is the process of making substantial changes in your writing. In this lesson, you will use revision strategies to strengthen a current piece of writing you’re working on.
by Jason Reynolds
National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and NYT Bestselling Author, Jason Reynolds, joined 826 students for a conversation on his video project, "For Every One."
by Cristeta Boarini, 826 MSP
Journalist and 826 MSP staffer, Cristeta Boarini, shares a poetry prompt that walks students through using shapes to convey meaning.
by 826 National
Television writer and showrunner Tim McKeon shares how you can study your favorite TV show to learn about screenwriting.
by 826 National, featuring Priyanna Kumar Singhania, Grade 8
In this lesson, you will write down a story that’s been passed down to you, using precise words and phrases and sensory language, to convey a vivid picture of the event.
by Sean Prentiss
Essayist, poet, and National Outdoor Book Award winner Sean Prentiss shares his favorite way to develop the setting of a story or essay as a fully formed character.
by 826 National, featuring Alistar Bedell, Grade 11, CA
In this lesson, you will practice analyzing different types of a narrative technique called irony. Then, you will write your own scene that uses irony to develop an imaginary experience or character.
by 826 National
Writers are guided by their personal and artistic values as they work to achieve their goals. But what are those values built on? In this lesson, you will discover that for yourself.
by Robin Reid Drake, 826CHI
826CHI Teaching Artist, Robin Reid Drake, shares an original writing prompt that encourages students to borrow lines from their favorite pieces of writing and then remix them into something new.
by 826 National
Senior Business Development Manager Erin Polgreen shares more about the ways she sees LinkedIn users engaging with writing on the platform.
by Sean Prentiss
Essayist, poet, and National Outdoor Book Award winner Sean Prentiss shares 5 techniques to use when writing scenes.
by Austin Bunn
Fiction writer, playwright, and screenwriter Austin Bunn shares a writing prompt that will get you noticing--and reimagining--the objects you see everyday.
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