Do you want a glimpse of my September language arts activities? Read below!
Autumn simply is my favorite season. I love the drinks, clothes, and weather. Since I live in Illinois, pumpkins and apple orchards surround me.
At work, students and I are in the groove, but we are not exhausted like we will be in March or April. If I want to experiment with station work or with coloring sheets, I can establish procedures with a new-ish class.
If you are looking to add some seasonal fun to your September lessons, I have listed resources below.
What specifically do you like about September language arts activities?
First, my classes have started to create a community, and we can build off each other and focus on academics. Second, the school year is still new enough where students are excited. Third, through fun activities, we can bridge content (like grammar to reading) in unique ways.
Below are some common pieces for fall lesson plans.
Recognition of 9-11 in America.
My school’s history department largely covers 9-11, but at other times in my career, I taught specific lessons on Patriot Day. American history is naturally part of ELA courses.
If you are recognizing the day, online resources are plentiful:
A general search will reveal more sources.
Organization with routines and procedures.
Part of my September language arts activities includes the rehearsal of routines and procedures. When students understand what they should do each day in class, we accomplish more, students are less anxious, and I manage my legal duties (attendance) with confidence.
On Thursdays, students enter the room and grab a task card. They individually work on the task, but then we regroup to review together. Often, I pull out my document reader to discuss certain cards.
Many of my August activities include rehearsals with expectations for routines and procedures. Sometime during the month of September, classes will be smoothly running, and we’ll step back and congratulate ourselves.
Grammar prep.
An important aspect of any of my classes is to show learners that lessons on grammar does not translate to “my writing is bad.” Yes, grammar and writing should connect and enhance young writers’ communication. However, too often, students associate grammar lessons with red pens, and honestly, that hurts them. Who wants to study a concept that only shows your mistakes?
Approach grammar with an attitude of engagement, one that shows students how a knowledge of language can benefit, one that connects language standards to other pieces of class.
For instance, if you have found examples of active and passive voice in a public speaking example, elaborate on verb voice with a coloring activity. If you have read a piece of literature that has varying examples of phrases, there’s a coloring activity for that too.
You can also cover topics with various topics from the entire fall bundle. Grammar can be a fun part of September language arts activities.
Writing.
Normally by September, classes and I have worked on establishing content knowledge so that we can work toward higher practice like literary analysis. The same can be said of writing. We have worked through the writing process, written about a a short story or two, and established the importance of applying feedback. We’re ready for an actual paper.
A narrative allows us to carry over relationship-building from the first week of school. While teaching middle school students, I was often working on organization and topic sentences. The fall writing assignment helps students to organize their memories of dealing with the fall season. Plus, students could share their memories with me.
Structure within electives—a template.
I’ve recently taught two classes that are quite structured regarding content: American Literature and Creative Writing.
Since I needed to write pacing guides for myself, I am sharing them with you. They are free, but you will need to make a copy so you can edit them. Schools begin the first days of classes at different time, so feel free to adjust my breaks to yours!
Creative writing: Build confidence in writers with these creative activities.
American literature: Establish an understanding of American stories through diverse readings.
My September language arts lessons have me at weeks four-eight (approximately), so you might slightly adjust from my template.
ELA in September.
September language arts activities should build on what you’ve established during the first weeks of school. We teachers work so diligently to build a community and engagement as we return to school. Now, we must keep up the momentum.