When he isn’t writing, ISAAC REYNOLDS enjoys jamming on his electric guitar or beating on the drums. He’s also active in soccer and enjoys running races. He values seeing the world through the eyes of others and hopes his stories inspire a new generation towards peace.
Congratulations to 826 Digital Writers’ Showcase Finalist, Isaac Reynolds! Watch his video and see the lesson below to practice identifying the moral of this story. Read more about Isaac Reynolds and the other finalists at www.826national.org/826-digital-writers-showcase-2023-finalists
A fable is a shorter, imaginary story that conveys a moral or a life lesson. Usually the characters in a fable are animals. In this lesson, you will read a Mentor Text, and summarize the moral that it is teaching. STEP 1 First, watch the video and follow along with the Mentor Text on pages 1 and 2 of the Lessons in Fables — Handout. Then, answer this prompt in your writing journal: “Which parts of the Mentor Text were the most memorable for you? List at least 1-2 moments in your writing journal. STEP 2 Brainstorm ideas for your...
by 826 National
In this lesson, you will create a character and show how a character would respond in a specific situation by writing dialogue, resulting in a silly scene.
by Sarah Richman, 826DC
Writer and staffer at 826DC, Sarah Richman, shares an original writing prompt that will help you get aquainted with your new characters.
by 826 National
Author Tom Perrotta reads "Peter, Who Went on the Best Adventure Ever." In this lesson, you will learn about 3 shapes that will help the events of your story unfold naturally.
by 826 National, featuring Raiya Chhabra, Grade 5, VA
In this lesson, you will generate rhymes to use in a poem.
by Emily Harding
Author and TV producer, Emily Harding shows side characters some love in this writing prompt.
by 826 National, featuring Milo Wu, Grade 2, NY
In this lesson, you will introduce an animal you know a lot about as the narrator of a story. The narrator will provide descriptive details ask the reader "Guess who?" at the end.
by 826 National
Novelist and short story writer, Caitlin Horrocks, reads "My Full Yard" by Marisol of 826michigan and reflects on the imagery used in the poem.
by Kinyel Friday, 826michigan
Children's book author and 826michigan staffer, Kinyel Friday, shares a social emotional learning prompt that uses personification to bring emotions to life.
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, featuring Naomi Ku, Grade 6, 826LA
What is the story of your favorite food? In this lesson, you will use descriptive details and sensory words to write a narrative that shares more about your favorite food.
by 826 National, featuring Kaiden Griggs, Grade 6
In this lesson, students will identify the main idea and supporting details of an informational text and summarize this idea objectively.
by Mychal Threets, librarian and literacy ambassador
Librarian and literacy ambassador Mychal Threets invites you to write about your feelings, your way with four writing prompts to explore your emotions on the page.
by Daniel Handler
Author Daniel Handler, aka Lemony Snicket, shows there are no limits to imagination with this interviewing activity.
by Molly Sprayregen, 826CHI
Writer and 826michigan staffer Denise Ervin writes alongside students to show what feelings sound like.
by Amanda Dettmann, 826NYC
Poet and teaching artist with 826NYC, Amanda Dettmann, shares a simple and fun writing prompt that asks the question, "How Did You Get There?"
by 826 National, featuring Iman Abdullah, Grade 2, 826NYC
Have you ever thought about what you have in common with an animal? In this lesson, students will write a comparison poem that explores these similarities and differences.
by Javier Zamora, 826 Valenica alumni and New York Times bestselling author
Author Javier Zamora invites you to raise your voice and write to the next President of the United States.
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
In this lesson, you will build your confidence as a writer by battling the page on a consistent basis.
by 826 National
In this lesson, you will create a simple scrapbook that showcases the facts, definitions, and details you’ve learned about a few of the items you found in a scavenger hunt.
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
Author and illustrator Lisa Brown reads "Owl Girl. In this lesson, you will write a superhero story that introduces your character and establishes the context for your reader.
by 826 National
Misinformation Specialist with Google Nidhi Hebbar shares how you can use writing to inspire change and bring people into conversations about the issues you care about.
by Charlotte Yeung
Midwest Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador, Charlotte Yeung, shares one of her favorite brainstorming strategies for creating a new piece.
by 826 National
Award-winning documentarian and journalist,Soledad O'Brien, shares about why she loves her job and how she builds credibility out in the field through thorough research.
by 826 National
Author Carter Higgins reads "Pickup Lines Cheesier Than Cheddar," a piece written by fifth-grader Uma (826NYC).
by Mac Barnett
Mac Barnett, a New York Times-bestselling author of stories for children, illustrates how to end a story...or not.
by 826 National
In this lesson, you will learn a strategy for writing down your thoughts and feelings to understand them more clearly.
by 826 National, featuring Nayeli Karunasekara, grade 6, Michigan
Through reading a Mentor Text, students learn more about the types of point of view and how different points of view impact their writing.
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."