Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning
This lesson guides students to examine and deconstruct published arguments based on social issues that are important to them. Students develop and present an argument related to issues in today's society, then evaluate their peers' work. While this lesson is currently aligned to 10th-grade standards,... Read more »
Created by: Keristy Nieto
Date Updated: October 2nd, 2026
Part 1: Deconstructing Arguments
This lesson focuses on the theme of mob mentality. Students will look for connections between informational text and a piece of fiction from the book "The Outsiders." Students will analyze the actions of characters from "The Outsiders" and determine whether the characters acted independently or as part... Read more »
Created by: Keristy Nieto
Date Updated: November 12th, 2025
Integrating Fiction and Nonfiction
In this lesson, students explore descriptive writing and sensory details then use those concepts to create a short piece of writing. Students consider examples of sensory details, identify sensory details in a short work, then create a descriptive, self-reflective work using writing that appeals to... Read more »
Created by: Keristy Nieto
Date Updated: January 17th, 2025
Creating and Editing Descriptive Writing
This lesson is designed to take place after completion of another K20 lesson, "Arguing With Evidence." Students will read an article from the New York Times and integrate knowledge of key terms to construct an argument based on a claim, evidence, and reasoning. Read more »
Created by: Keristy Nieto
Date Updated: February 19th, 2026
Part 2: Constructing Arguments
This lesson will provide students with a personal understanding of Stevie Smith's poem, "Not Waving but Drowning." Students will practice inferencing and analytical skills during this lesson. Students will be assessed by utilizing a graphic organizer and a writing prompt encouraging a personal relationship... Read more »
Created by: Keristy Nieto
Date Updated: November 7th, 2025
Interpreting Poetry
This professional development focuses on defining and promoting literacy strategies across all subject areas. Participants will examine how literacy components are necessary for their subject areas, identify the specific literacy strategies appropriate for their content, and discuss ways to implement... Read more »
Created by: Keristy Nieto
Date Updated: April 23rd, 2026
