One of the benefits and challenges of the AP® Language course is that the skills need to be understood both as a reader and a writer; and, often when we do this, that means that the skills need to be spiraled throughout the curriculum. While that can take careful planning and creativity, it also offers opportunities for students to self-assess, revise, reflect, and consider their own strengths and weaknesses throughout different units, different assignments, and in different classroom settings. It is important to offer students opportunities to learn from mistakes and encourage taking risks in their writing and analysis so that they can authenticate their understanding of skills and start to develop or hone their own styles.
Using the attached template, students have the opportunity to authentically engage with the work they have done, consider where they were challenged, and ensure they have the appropriate resources to make the revisions they need.
Download the activity here!
Lauren Peterson (Master of Arts, Education) has been teaching AP® English Language and Composition in a number of states for more than ten years, most recently at Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, where she is also the schoolwide literacy leader. Before this position, Lauren served as a curriculum and instructional coach in Duval County, Florida. Lauren worked for College Board on a pilot curriculum designed to both remediate common AP® English Language challenges and also prepare students for Microsoft Office Specialist Certification. As an independent consultant for the National Math and Science Initiative, Lauren has written diverse curricula used by students across the country as well as training materials for beginning and experienced AP® English Language teachers. Lauren served as an AP® English Language Reader and continues to work as an AP® English Language trainer for new and experienced teachers.