john murphy

This is a really fun writing activity that can be complete in as little as two days and also get students debating afterwards. Written in the style of Ask Abby, this document contains 12 fake letters asking for advice on a range of topics. Students can choose which they'd like to respond to and write advice based on the classic newspaper column. This is always a hit!

In my first (free) activity, students rewrote sentences to make them show using dialogue, sensory language, and specific details. In this more advanced form, students rewrite entire paragraphs. I have written out 3 full scenes full of amazing opportunities for students to use the show, don't tell concept. I've used this document for MANY years and students always end up writing great stuff with it!

This activity helps students practice one element of the show, don't tell method: sensory language.

Use this form to help students learn to show and not tell. Students should rewrite each basic line using dialogue, sensory words, and specific details.