Mighty Pens: Writers for Positive Change

Unit of 4 Lessons
Grade Levels: 
9
10
11
12
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Media / Technology
Issue Area: 
Communication
Focus Question 

 How can our voice be used to make communities stronger? 

 

Photo Credit:  Homework Help by Allen County (IN) Public Library is licensed under CC by 2.0

Unit Overview 

Develop students' skills of writing in several genres: persuasive essay, news story, reflective journaling, and personal narrative. They recognize that reflecting and writing about civic engagement, service, and volunteerism enables them to clarify their own commitment and participation in contributing to the common good, and also gives them the power to inspire and persuade others to serve. Students are encouraged to publish their stories in writing, podcasts, weblogs, or other forms of media.

Service Experience 
Learners will “publish” their persuasive writing pieces as acts of advocacy in a forum that will create understanding of community needs and encourage active involvement in solutions. Students may choose to publish their stories using other media than writing. They may record audio or film versions of their stories.
Lessons in This Unit 
Unit: 
Mighty Pens: Writers for Positive Change
Lesson 1 of 4
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Through persuasive writing, young people build awareness and invite action for change about an issue. Typical writing forms may include essays, editorials, feature articles, or speeches.

 

 

Unit: 
Mighty Pens: Writers for Positive Change
Lesson 3 of 4
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

This lesson teaches how to journal about their own experiences and feelings. It is intended to be taught in conjunction with a project of civic engagement or service. The project provides content and a context for journaling about personal experience.

 

Unit: 
Mighty Pens: Writers for Positive Change
Lesson 4 of 4
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Learners write personal narratives to document activities, insights, research, impact, and discoveries of their firsthand experience with civic engagement, service, and volunteerism. By explaining involvement in action for the common good, learners raise awareness of a social issue, the need for change, and the impact individuals can have by giving time, talent, or treasure for the common good.