Jennifer Ruhle

In this engaging one-session lesson, 6th-grade students will learn how to brainstorm and organize personal experiences and interests as the first step toward writing a college essay. By exploring prompts, sharing ideas, and collaborating, students will gain confidence in identifying unique stories they might tell about themselves. This foundational skill helps build self-awareness, storytelling ability, and writing readiness.

In this engaging 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for 7th graders, students will embark on a detective-themed exploration of the college application process. This lesson builds foundational understanding, sparks long-term goal setting, and equips students with vocabulary and strategies for future academic planning.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 lesson for 10th graders, students will deepen their understanding of crafting a personal statement—the heart of a college essay. Through analytical discussion and a refined graphic organizer activity, they’ll identify compelling personal narratives, practice advanced reflection, and outline a sophisticated essay introduction. This foundational skill empowers students to present authentic, polished stories and build confidence for future applications.