National Writing Project

National Writing Project is the premier effort to improve writing in America, providing models for leadership programs and research.

National Writing Projects of Michigan

OWP is an affiliate of this statewide organization comprised of nine university-sponsored sites.

University of Michigan School of Education

The University of Michigan School of Education sponsors the OWP through its commitment to a mission focused on research, teaching, professional service, and diversity.

Adrian College

Adrian College proudly supports the OWP, as it shares an emphasis on teachers as writers and social justice.

Oakland Schools

Oakland Schools sponsors the OWP and professional development workshops throughout the year.

National Council of Teachers of English

NCTE has provided a forum for the profession, an array of opportunities for teachers to continue their professional growth throughout their careers, and a framework for cooperation to deal with issues that affect the teaching of English.

American Educational Research Association

AERA is concerned with improving the educational process by encouraging scholarly inquiry related to education and by promoting the dissemination and practical application of research results.

The Online Poetry Classroom (OPC) Project

OPC provides both professional development for high school Language Arts teachers and a virtual teaching community enabling teachers across the country to access free poetry resources online, including innovative, classroom-tested curricula.

The National Digital Archives mission is to ensure ready access to the essential evidence that documents the rights of American citizens, the actions of Federal officials, and the national experience. Among the treasures available to you here online are the cornerstone documents of our Government:

• the Declaration of Independence
• the Constitution of the United States
• the Bill of Rights

This excellent (and free!) resource for teachers and students provides daily doses of important information about today's world leaders and their countries to help Americans gain a better understanding of the people and nations of the world.

Writing Prompts

Called "Idea Joggers", these weekly writing prompts will help jumpstart the writing process when the page remains blank. Archived topics are also available.

More Writing Prompts

Scroll down for numerous story starters, opinion prompts, or narrative ideas.

Pick-A-Grade Writing Prompt

Select your grade level for an appropriate writing prompt and exercise.

Story Starters

These story starters for elementary students offer three different prompts in each series, with text, visual, or auditory prompts. They also include writing rubrics for each grade level.

Writing Topics

This site offers several brief writing topics, all categorized by grade level.

Bright Ideas for Writing

For elementary classes, find writing exercises here for all genres, including opinion and persuasive essays, writing instructions, stories, or personal narratives.

Yearly Writing Program

Select either single paragraph topics for elementary students or five paragraph essay assignments for older classes, and find a year's worth of writing exercises here.