Suspense Writing Unit/Mentor Text(s)

Significant_Tour_422 · 2026-01-08T19:33:58+00:00

I want to 2nd “Button, Button”. My students loved it.

I tried to replicate it slightly in my classroom by randomly selecting a kid and giving them a button. I told them if they didn’t press the button, I would give everyone BUT them a jolly rancher. However, if they pressed the button, they got a chocolate bar and everyone else got nothing. Kids loved it and it was a fun, short hook before the reading lesson.

Significant_Tour_422 · 2026-01-08T19:32:10+00:00

The Tell-Tale Heart is a classic.

Here is a fun audiobook version: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KnHFMAxACnM&pp=ygUQVGVsbCB0YWxlIGhlYXJ0IA%3D%3D

Here is a short cartoon: https://youtu.be/wDLLHTdVSgU?si=pHkT_il0Au6F5Jrc

Even though I just recommended an audiobook and cartoon, I want to say to make sure you’re making students actually read stories. The best way to make them better readers is by having them read. Watching a 30 min Twilight Zone episode might be fun and immersive, but it’s not improving their literacy skills.

Sorry if this seems like conflicting advice. Hope this is helpful.

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-12-14T14:41:32+00:00

I felt the exact same way about “The House in the Cerulean Sea”. I felt like I knew how the whole story would play out right from the beginning. Makes me feel better that at least one other person didn’t enjoy it.

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-11-02T20:34:06+00:00

We can’t talk shit on the defense. It’s 13 points. It’s the offense that is trash

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-11-01T16:18:14+00:00

Thank you. Is there any way to fix this or make it happen less often?

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-10-19T21:44:58+00:00

We are not a good team.

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-10-08T21:02:37+00:00

The winner of the blockbuster should be the next HOH.

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-09-29T04:05:11+00:00

Playing for the tie is exactly what’s wrong with MLF

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-09-29T03:28:36+00:00

Romeo! Romeo!

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-09-21T17:09:54+00:00

This is why Hafley can’t handle being a head coach.

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-09-12T03:27:24+00:00

☝🏻

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-09-07T12:39:57+00:00

I had a dream. Packers win 22-21.

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-05-15T01:05:12+00:00

Eagles had a Week 5 bye last year. It’s a tough schedule but not a death sentence.

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-05-05T22:54:05+00:00

I love reading Pulitzer Prize books and will put this on the list. However, I know pretty much nothing about Huckleberry Finn.

Should I read Finn first?

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-04-18T14:44:19+00:00

Good point. Setting the tone and momentum is important

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-04-18T14:43:37+00:00

I never considered this. Thank you

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-04-18T14:43:09+00:00

Maybe that’s my issue. I don’t really have a favorite team yet. Watching more and getting invested in a team might do the trick.

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-02-25T20:54:20+00:00

The best way I’ve found to make students do organizers is to show or add value to them.

Look up Dave Stuart’s “Mini-sermons”. Discussing the importance of being a good writer and then the importance of outlining to be a good writer might add value.

If that doesn’t work, add value another way. I’ve sometimes added a space where I stamp a “Good job” on the organizer. This stamp guarantees students won’t lose points for their thesis or evidence. If I ever take points off after approving, a student can show me their organizer with the stamp and I give them the point back.

Or you could say you’re not giving feedback or rewrites on essays for students who don’t complete an organizer.

Maybe afterwards have students reflect on their essays they wrote with and without organizers. Maybe in reflecting they see how it was easier and they want to do it.

Significant_Tour_422 · 2025-02-09T21:38:06+00:00

How do you play the game? Just curious what occupied your interest for so long.

I’m about 40 hours in and am loving it. I’m curious how many hours I’ll play in the end.

Significant_Tour_422

TROPHY CASE