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Watch andWrite

Watch and Write videos and lessons deliver writing inspiration directly from authors, professionals, friends of 826, and students. Each video includes a writing prompt and lesson aligned to Common Core State Standards.

A Good Time to Write

Hear from your favorite authors as they share writing prompts, strategies, and more.

Image: author Javier Zamora Text: Hear Me Out with Javier Zamora
Memoir
Narrative
Persuasive
Poetry
Hear Me Out with Javier Zamora

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.

Poetry
Book Scavenger Hunt Poetry with 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.

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
Persuasive
Poetry
Inspiration in the Everyday with Charlotte Yeung

Midwest Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador, Charlotte Yeung, shares one of her favorite brainstorming strategies for creating a new piece.

Narrative
Climactic Cliffhangers with Mac Barnett

Mac Barnett, a New York Times-bestselling author of stories for children, illustrates how to end a story...or not.

Write Your Way Forward

Learn how writing is essential in all types of careers—from journalists to TV show writers.

Informational
Media
Why This Story Matters with Soledad O’Brien

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.

Informational
Media
How to Ask Why with Nicole Dungca

Nicole Dungca, Investigative Reporter at The Washington Post and President of the Asian American Journalists Association, shares strategies for asking key questions.

Memoir
Narrative
Writing & Empathy with Dr. Matthew Bucknor

Radiologist Matthew Bucknor shares while it's important for students studying STEM fields "not to sleep on the Humanities."

Persuasive
Writing to Create Change with Nidhi Hebbar

Misinformation Specialist with Google Nidhi Hebar shares how you can use writing to inspire change and bring people into conversations about the issues you care about.

Write With...

Check out writing prompts and favorite student writing from friends of 826.

Memoir
Narrative
Floor Plan

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.

Narrative
Fill My Shoes

Children's book author and 826michigan staffer, Kinyel Friday, shares a social emotional learning prompt that uses personification to bring emotions to life.

Poetry
Meaning from Shape (Secondary)

Journalist and 826 MSP staffer, Cristeta Boarini, shares a poetry prompt that walks students through using shapes to convey meaning.

Memoir
Narrative
For Every One

Part letter, part long-form poem, "For Every One" offers reflections and courageous words about unraveling and rebuilding one's dreams.

Student Showcase

See student authors from across the country and get inspired to write.

Poetry
Pumpkin Pie!!!: Favorite Food Stories

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.

Poetry
Birds in Flight: I’m Like a Lion

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.

Poetry
Day & Night: Rhyme Schemes

Not all poems have to rhyme, but when they do, they generally use “rhyme scheme.” In this lesson, students will write a poem with a unique sound and rhyme scheme.

Narrative
If I Were a Poet: Ironic Narratives

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.