Encouraging students to see events from another person's point of view helps develop reading and writing skills. After reading a history lesson, have students choose an historical figure discussed. Instruct students to write a journal entry in the voice of the person selected that must contain at least five facts along with opinions. Students should also write about events that happened during the historical time period and how the person selected may have responded. Allow students to draw or doodle around the edges of their papers and ask them to share their entries with classmates.
You can enhance reading and writing skills by giving students the chance to pretend they have begun their first job. Tell students that they have recently been named their local newspaper's editor and give each student a large sheet of blank newsprint. The students should "cover" events that are significant to the community. Each paper should contain photographs, drawings, letters to the editor, articles and political cartoons. Encourage students to be creative with the title and give them several weeks to finish this project.
Students can choose an area of the world that they would like to learn more about and become "travel agents" to develop skills. Guide students as they gather information from various resources and explain that they are creating a travel brochure aimed at persuading others to visit their location. Demonstrate how to fold a piece of cardstock in an accordion style and ensure that students include information about the climate, food, local traditions and language. If desired, have students detail the exact latitude and longitude of their chosen place. Encourage students to make their brochures unique. When students are finished, hang the brochures from a bulletin board and discuss with students which place they would like to visit most.
For this writing assignment, students must assume the role of the teacher. Give students a section of the textbook to cover and explain that they must create a lesson plan. Then they should look for visual aids and review material. Students should use the computer to create a presentation that can be viewed on a large screen.