thesis for kids

How to Teach Children to Write a Thesis Statement

Shandi stevenson.

By helping students to understand the purpose of a thesis statement, how it is put together and where it belongs in a composition, you can equip them with a skill that will make writing faster and easier. The ability to write an effective thesis statement makes it easier for students to write good papers and develops skills such as summary, organization and argumentation that will be valuable for the rest of their lives.

Explore this article

• Purpose of a Thesis Statement
• Good and Bad Thesis Statements
• Methods for Writing the Statement
• Practice Writing Thesis Statements

1 Purpose of a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is usually the last sentence of the first paragraph of a composition. It states the topic of the paper and the argument the author will make about the topic . It also outlines, in order, the points the paper will make to construct that argument. The first paragraph of the composition should provide an introduction to the paper's topic and its importance. The thesis statement then provides the specific approach to the topic the author will take. The succeeding body paragraphs refer back to and develop the points mentioned in the thesis statement. For example, the thesis statement, "School lunch reform is important, because it makes students healthier, helps students learn better and saves schools money," should be followed by one body paragraph discussing the health benefits of lunch reform, one discussing the academic benefits and one discussing the financial benefits.

2 Good and Bad Thesis Statements

Once students understand what a thesis statement's basic function is, it is helpful to have students practice recognizing effective and ineffective thesis statements. Use a page of thesis statements, some of which are correct and others which are not, have students practice recognizing which sentences meet the requirements of a good thesis statement and which do not. Students can then explain and discuss their reasoning. Allowing students to work on this in small groups can be a helpful way for them to grasp the skill quickly. Have students work individually or in groups to rewrite and improve poor thesis statements. The two most important concepts for students to grasp about the thesis statement are that it must state an opinion or an argument , rather than a fact and that it must be as specific as possible . Most students begin by writing thesis statements that are much too broad and must learn to narrow the focus.

3 Methods for Writing the Statement

Students may find it helpful to first write thesis statements for existing compositions, of which only the thesis statement has been left out or covered up. Students identify the essay's argument and its main points and draft a thesis statement to reflect them. This allows students to practice writing a thesis statement without having to plan and organize an argument at the same time. Students can also compare their thesis statements with other students', and with the original; this allows them to recognize that there is no one right way to phrase a thesis statement, yet every thesis statement must include certain elements.

Some students may then find it helpful to practice writing their own thesis statements using a fill-in "template," such as: " ** is important because of ** , ** and ** __," or "Martin Luther King Jr. changed America in three important ways: _, _ and ____." This exercise helps students make the transition to generating and organization their own arguments, while still getting a little help structuring and wording the thesis statement.

4 Practice Writing Thesis Statements

Once they have mastered the basic concept and structure of the thesis statement, students will benefit from practicing the skill as often as possible, and from plenty of feedback on how they can improve their thesis statements. It can take a long time for the skill to become second nature. In addition to requiring students to include thesis statements in all their compositions, consider using other games and activities for extra practice, such as letting students submit thesis statements to a contest and vote on the winner, working as a class to write a "thesis statement" for a math, science or social studies lesson on the board and letting students write thesis statements about things that interest them.

• 1 Indiana University Writing Center: Thesis Statements
• 2 Slide Share: Thesis Statement Power Point
• 3 University of Michigan: Templates
• 4 Teachers Net: Using Spongebob to Teach Thesis Statement
• 5 Gustavus Adolphus College: Tips on Writing a Thesis Statement

About the Author

Shandi Stevenson is a teacher, tutor and author whose work has appeared in national and international publications including "Shibboleths," "Homeschooling Today," and "Resort Living." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in literature in English and a Master of Arts in humanities.

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Activities to Teach How to Write A Thesis Statement

Research Writing , Secondary Literacy , Writing

If there’s any literacy skill you would want your English Language Arts students to master, it would probably be how to write a thesis statement . If you want to teach your students how to write powerful, eloquent, and exceptionally captivating thesis statements, then you’ll love the activities in this article.

The key to any good essay is a strong thesis statement. A strong thesis statement sets the tone and clarifies the author’s purpose : it tells you the writer’s opinion, along with the level of thought and criticism that has gone into formulating it.

A strong thesis statement also creates an alluring introduction paragraph. This makes each paper in your grading pile a lot more inviting.

How do you teach students to write a thesis statement to make their audience continue reading? This blog post explores six activities to teach how to write a thesis statement.

1. Differentiate Between Strong and Weak Thesis Statements

Writing a thesis statement might be a new skill for your students. Thesis statements are often taught as a topic sentence or the “whole essay boiled down into one sentence.” This can be a challenging concept for your students to grasp.

To teach how to write a thesis statement, have a discussion about what makes a strong thesis statement. You can turn this into a collaborative lesson by brainstorming clarifying statements ; these statements dictate what a thesis is and is not.

For example: “ A proper thesis statement is written in one sentence ,” or “ a proper thesis statement is directly related to the rest of the essay .” This is a great opportunity to teach students the difference between concepts like a “topic sentence” or a “hook.”

Your students can use this free bookmark to differentiate between a strong thesis statement and a weak one. This slideshow lesson also explores clarifying statements with detailed examples.

2. Evaluate Thesis Statement Examples

Now that students have plenty of guidelines, challenge their understanding by evaluating thesis statement examples . You can use thesis statement examples from past students’ essays. You can even write your own examples based on the clarifying statements you create with your class.

If you’re open to your students receiving constructive, anonymous criticism , you can even have them write a thesis statement and evaluate each one as a class. I’ve had success with providing students with a thesis statement topic and having them write a thesis statement. Then, I prompt them to swap with their elbow partner to offer feedback.

If you’d rather provide a comprehensive list of thesis statements that reflect the common errors you would typically see in students’ essays, there are several student examples in this introductory lesson on how to write a thesis statement – this is one of my favourite activities for teaching thesis statement writing!

3. Provide a Thesis Statement Template

One of the easiest ways to teach how to write a thesis statement is to offer a thesis statement template . There are a variety of thesis statement templates that students can use as a framework for their essays. I start with a basic template that involves the three parts of a thesis statement: a topic, position, and evidence . I then demonstrate to students how they can create variations of this template, depending on which order they introduce each part. You can find examples for each template in these thesis statement handouts .

You can also introduce a few sentence styles to your students. These styles scaffold eloquent thesis statements. They also offer students the space to articulate their thoughts without exceeding the one-sentence limit.

Sentence Styles for the Three Parts of a Thesis Statement

Here are a few sentence styles that incorporate the three parts of a thesis statement. Each style also includes an example written by a real student:

• Style A : “Noun phrase; Noun phrase; Noun phrase – Independent Clause” Example: “The promotion of hygiene; the presence of medical professionals; the prevention of death – these are all reasons why supervised injection services are an important facet of public health.”
• Style B : If (subject + verb + object phrase), if (subject + verb + object phrase ), if (subject + verb + object phrase ), then (independent clause) Example: “If taxpayers do not wish to have their money allocated to cruelty, if more than 100 million animals die from animal testing a year, if alternatives to animal testing exist, then governments should ban the practice of testing on animals.”
• Style C : Independent clause: subject + verb, subject + verb, subject + verb Example: “College education should be entirely funded by the government: student debt would be eliminated, education would not be commodified, and access to education would not be exclusive to privileged people.”

All of these sentence styles are outlined in these practice worksheets for how to write a thesis statement, with writing prompts to reinforce each thesis statement template through repeated practice.

4. Daily Practice Activities to Teach How to Write a Thesis Statement

One of the most effective ways to teach how to write a thesis statement is through repeated practice. You can do this by incorporating daily bell ringers into your persuasive writing unit. To assign this activity, I provide students with three topics to choose from. I then prompt them to develop an opinion and write a thesis statement for one.

I’ll also include bell ringers that provide a thesis statement that students need to evaluate. Students really enjoy these drills! They get the opportunity to develop opinions on interesting topics, and many of them choose to explore these ideas as the subject of their final research paper.

If you’re looking for pre-made worksheets with thesis statement activities, these daily thesis statement bell ringers include one month’s worth of thesis statement prompts, graphic organizers, and templates in both digital and ready-to-print format.

5. Use a Self-Assessment Thesis Statement Anchor Chart

You can provide students with a thesis statement anchor chart to reference the guidelines and rules they’ve learned. A personalized anchor chart is best – like this free thesis statement bookmark – so that students can have it on hand while they are reading and writing.

You can distribute the anchor chart at the beginning of your research paper unit. Students can refer to it while evaluating thesis statement examples or completing daily practice activities. A thesis statement anchor chart has been a complete game-changer in my classroom, and I’m pleased to learn that many of my students have held on to these after completing my course.

6. Provide Engaging Thesis Statement Topics

You can collaborate with your students to generate an engaging list of good topics for thesis statements. Start by writing down every topic that your students suggest. Then, you can narrow this list down to avoid broad, far-reaching thesis statements that lead to a watered-down essay. When I make this list with my students, we end up with topics that are truly engaging for them. I also have the opportunity to clarify which topics might be a little too vague or broad for an exceptional essay.

For example, students often suggest topics like “racism” or “the problem with school.” These are learning opportunities to demonstrate to students that a great thesis statement is the essential starting point for an even greater essay.

To elaborate, a topic like racism has different implications all over the world. It is far too complex to explore in a single, 750-word essay. Instead, we work together to narrow this topic down to something like “racism in the media,” or even better, “representation in Hollywood.”

Additionally, a topic like “the problem with school” is more of a conclusion. To solve this, we work backward to identify some of the aspects of our school that make it an obstacle . This can include uniforms, early starts, or cell phone policies. This process leads students to a more concise topic, like “cell phone policies in twenty-first-century schools.”

If you’re looking for engaging thesis statement topics to inspire your students, I’ve included a list of 75 argumentative essay topics in this practice unit for how to write a thesis statement .

Tying it All Together

There are plenty of fun thesis statement activities and practice lessons that you can incorporate into your curriculum. Give thesis statements the love and attention they deserve in the classroom – after all, they truly are the most important part of a research essay.

All of the worksheets, lessons, and activities explored in this blog post are included in Mondays Made Easy’s unit for teaching how to write a thesis statement . This bundle has everything you need to teach your students how to master their thesis statements and apply these essential literacy skills to their writing.

How to write a perfect essay

Need to write an essay? Does the assignment feel as big as climbing Mount Everest? Fear not. You’re up to the challenge! The following step-by step tips from the Nat Geo Kids Almanac will help you with this monumental task. 

Sometimes the subject matter of your essay is assigned to you, sometimes it’s not. Either way, you have to decide what you want to say. Start by brainstorming some ideas, writing down any thoughts you have about the subject. Then read over everything you’ve come up with and consider which idea you think is the strongest. Ask yourself what you want to write about the most. Keep in mind the goal of your essay. Can you achieve the goal of the assignment with this topic? If so, you’re good to go.

WRITE A TOPIC SENTENCE

This is the main idea of your essay, a statement of your thoughts on the subject. Again, consider the goal of your essay. Think of the topic sentence as an introduction that tells your reader what the rest of your essay will be about.

OUTLINE YOUR IDEAS

Once you have a good topic sentence, you then need to support that main idea with more detailed information, facts, thoughts, and examples. These supporting points answer one question about your topic sentence—“Why?” This is where research and perhaps more brainstorming come in. Then organize these points in the way you think makes the most sense, probably in order of importance. Now you have an outline for your essay.

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, WRITE!

Follow your outline, using each of your supporting points as the topic sentence of its own paragraph. Use descriptive words to get your ideas across to the reader. Go into detail, using specific information to tell your story or make your point. Stay on track, making sure that everything you include is somehow related to the main idea of your essay. Use transitions to make your writing flow.

Finish your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your entire essay and 5 restates your main idea.

PROOFREAD AND REVISE

Check for errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar. Look for ways to make your writing clear, understandable, and interesting. Use descriptive verbs, adjectives, or adverbs when possible. It also helps to have someone else read your work to point out things you might have missed. Then make the necessary corrections and changes in a second draft. Repeat this revision process once more to make your final draft as good as you can.

Download the pdf .

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Writing a Thesis Statement

• By Gay Miller in Writing

January 11, 2021

Writing a thesis statement is an extremely difficult skill for some students. This post provides step-by-step instructions. Student-friendly language helps students understand the concepts. To learn the rules, students watch a Google Slide presentation. While watching, they complete organizers. The printable organizers may be placed in an interactive notebook. Digital organizers are also provided. They may be housed on Google Drive. Students may use these organizers as reference tools any time they write essays.

So where to begin…

The Teaching Standards

Common Core State Standards do not include the words thesis statements. CCSS state essays should introduce the topic and state an opinion. (Sounds like a thesis statement to me?!?!) Before Common Core, this skill was included in the 6th grade Tennessee Standards. Depending on the level of your students, I recommend including thesis statements beginning in 5th or 6th grades. Find more information on Why Thesis Statements are Important for Kids here.  

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.A Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer’s purpose.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.A Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which ideas are logically grouped to support the writer’s purpose.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1.A Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly.

Thesis Statement Google Slides

This lesson includes a Google Slide Presentation that goes over rules and examples. The presentation also includes a section with examples for students to evaluate. Students rate examples as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and discuss why.  All the text in these presentations is editable. Therefore, you can change sentences to topics that interest your students. 

Download these free resources to use with your students.

Foldable Organizers

To make learning the information a little easier, three foldable graphic organizers go over the information. These organizers need no cutting. Just print and fold.

For Organizers #1 and #2, check out these 3 versions:

• Version 1 contains blanks for students to write their own definitions.
• The next version contains sentences with blank spaces for students to write in keywords.
• Version 3 is fully completed.

Use the third version as an answer key. Use different versions to differentiate instruction. Give absent students the completed organizer to use as a guide to complete their organizer.

For Organizer #3, students write example thesis statements. Because of this, only one version of the organizer is provided.

The Content

Organizer 1 – what is a thesis statement.

A thesis statement is the main idea of an essay.

It is often a point you want to argue or support in an essay.

The thesis statement explains to a reader the main idea of the essay and the writer’s opinion on that idea.

 A thesis statement is usually one sentence .

 It is often placed in the introductory paragraph of an essay.

A thesis statement is a claim that could be argued .

The essay will contain evidence and opinions that support the argument.

Organizer 2 – Things Thesis Statements Should Include and Should Avoid

A thesis statement should:

• contain a topic (main idea of what you are writing about)
• contain an opinion about the topic (what your attitude is toward the topic)

Subject + Attitude = Thesis

A thesis statement should avoid:

• the first person (I believe, In my opinion, etc.)
• unclear language (It seems, etc.)
• attempting two topics at once – even if they seem related. Pick one and stick with it.
• just stating a fact – A thesis is something you plan to make an argument about. Facts can’t be argued.

Organizer 3 – Thesis Statement Examples

• A thesis statement should not be too broad .

Mountain City is a great place to live.

Better – One reason to live in Mountain City is access to many wonderful places to fish.

2. A thesis statement should not be too wordy .

Some problems with Mountain City Elementary School are that it needs a larger playground, an air-conditioned gym, an auditorium, restrooms connected to each classroom, running water in the classrooms, and a number of other physical changes to the building.

Better – Mountain City Elementary needs several changes to its facility to make it a better school.

3. A thesis statement should not be a title .

Cost of Living

Better – The cost of living in Mountain City is lower than in most other cities in the United States.

4. A thesis statement should not be too general .

Music makes people happy.

Better – Music therapy is useful in relieving stress and other conditions.  

5. A thesis statement should not be a fact .

The average temperature for Mountain City in winter is 34 and in summer is 75 degrees.

Better – The climate in Mountain City is ideal for outdoor sports.

Important Update

If you are looking for original organizers, don’t worry. They’re still here. I know how frustrating it can be to follow a link from Pinterest, only to not find what you are looking for. Because of this, I included the original organizers in the download.

These organizers contain the exact same information as the new. The difference is they require more time to assemble. A link to the original PowerPoint is also included in the download.

More Activities

• Provide a topic. Tell students to write a  thesis statement on the topic. Collect the sentences. Read these aloud and have students evaluate them.
• Provide thesis statements. Students use different color highlighters to show the parts: subject + attitude.
• Anchor Chart
• Word Map with Facts

• Writing Strategies

Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=336

10 comments

Skip to comment form

• Theresa on January 25, 2015 at 12:20 pm

BRILLIANT! I will use this for my freshmen who have a tendency to “forget” what the thesis IS and IS NOT!

• anis on June 16, 2015 at 1:32 pm

• sarah egger on September 9, 2015 at 9:02 am

This is wonderful, thanks so much for sharing. I gave it to my fellow English teachers and we all use it and we are raving about how much the students enjoy it and learn from it.

• Beverly on September 9, 2015 at 9:31 am

Thank you so much.

• Louise on October 22, 2015 at 9:31 pm

This is so helpful. Thanks for sharing with us.

• ENRIQUE GUZMÁN CH on November 22, 2015 at 6:22 am

Hi. I´m from Colombia. Thanks a lot for everything.

• Pat on September 26, 2016 at 12:14 am

Thanks for sharing!

• student on September 29, 2016 at 5:25 am

Everything is very open with a really clear description.

It was definitely informative. Your website is very useful. Many thanks for sharing!

• Thesis Generator on January 27, 2017 at 12:30 pm

Most thesis statements are one sentence (Unless you have a really long paper) but if you need to add more info use a semi colon or a coordinating conjunction to add more.

• Homeschool Teacher/Mom on March 22, 2017 at 12:22 pm

Thank you so much! This was very helpful!!

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Forming a Thesis Statement

Minilesson print.

The whole purpose of writing is to transfer an idea from your head into someone else's. If you can state your idea in a single, clear sentence, your reader can easily grasp it.

Use this simple formula to craft an effective thesis statement (for an essay) or topic sentence (for a paragraph).

Topic (who or what am I writing about? )

+ Focus (what specific thought or feeling do I have about my topic?)

_________________________________

= Thesis Statement (or Topic Sentence)

Here are some examples of the formula in action with different forms of writing.

Explanatory

Antibiotic resistance (topic) creates superbugs through the misuse of modern medicine (focus).

Sex and gender (topic) are related but different, one defined by biology and the other by culture (focus).

Narrative Writing

My hectic senior year of high school (topic) embodied the word overcommitment (focus) .

Your Turn Use the formula to create thesis statements for the following topics. Note: The focus is up to you.

• Career opportunities
• Community involvement
• Generational differences
• The search for colleges
• Lasting lessons of high school

From 30 in Write for College

Teacher Support:

Click to find out more about this resource.

Answers will vary.

Standards Correlations:

The State Standards provide a way to evaluate your students' performance.

• 110.38.c.10.C
• 110.39.c.10.C
• 110.38.c.5.J
• 110.39.c.5.J
• LAFS.1112.W.1.1
• LA 12.2.1.b
• LA 12.2.2.a
• LAFS.1112.W.1.2
• 110.38.c.10.A
• 110.39.c.10.A
• LAFS.1112.W.1.3

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Why Thesis Statements Are Important for Kids

Should you teach thesis statements? If so, in what grade should you teach thesis statements? Hey, are thesis statements even important?

Most people don’t really understand what a thesis statement is, and even the people who do understand what a thesis statement is don’t really understand why it is important. Until a few years ago, I didn’t really get them. I didn’t think they were important. I always thought a thesis statement was just a word that English majors liked to use.

When getting my teaching credential I did get straight A’s, and I can honestly say that I never once thought about the term thesis statement . When getting my undergraduate degree, getting good grades was just one of my many interests, so I am quite sure that I cared even less about thesis statements back then. Don’t worry—I did just fine. So, how important are thesis statements if all of this is possible? Do thesis statements really help create good writing? Are thesis statements really an essential element of good writing?

Do We Really Need to Teach Thesis Statements in Elementary School and Middle School?

The California State Writing Standards for 5th grade states this:

Grade 5 Writing Strategies 1.0 – Students write clear, coherent, and focused essays.

Technically, and by definition, an essay has a thesis statement. Okay, so thesis statements may be important. However, when elementary and middle school students are struggling with paragraphs and grammar, thesis statements can SEEM quite unimportant.

In fact, when one considers Piaget’s constructivist learning theory , thesis statements can seem like a waste of time for students who still struggle with a variety of simple writing concepts. Do you want to spend valuable class time teaching students concepts that may not help them just yet? And surely you don’t want students to become so overwhelmed with writing that they think, “Okay, I admit it—I don’t understand writing… and I never will.” Thesis statements can have that effect. So should you or shouldn’t you teach them?

THESIS THINKING: The Real Reason Thesis Statements are Important

What I have now come to see is that you can use thesis statements as a tool for achieving many different writing and reading comprehension results.

Thesis statements have become a coat rack on which I hang many concepts. I’ve come to the conclusion that the most important thing about thesis statements is the THESIS THINKING that goes along with them.

John Truby, a screenwriting teacher, had this to say about story premises. The way he uses the term premise is what I have learned to teach my students about thesis statements.

The very first step in creating a good script is to figure out a great premise. Your premise is your story stated in a single line. It’s probably the most important element in any script, because if it’s not a good premise, there is very little that you can do to make the overall script work—make the overall script something that people will want to read. So it’s very important that you start with a good core idea. –– John Truby –– Screenwriting Teacher

Thesis is very closely related to premise. Let’s substitute thesis for premise and essay for script and see how it reads.

The very first step in creating a good essay is to figure out a great thesis. Your thesis is your essay stated in a single line. It’s probably the most important element in any essay, because if it’s not a good thesis, there is very little that you can do to make the overall essay work—make the overall essay something that people will want to read. So it’s very important that you start with a good core idea.

Put simply, THESIS THINKING is important in all kinds of writing. THESIS THINKING also helps with reading comprehension. In fact, thesis statements and THESIS THINKING help students in all these areas:

•     Write powerful topic sentences that put forth important main ideas. •     Find main ideas in text. •     Write whole compositions with a purpose. •     Master the different modes of writing. •     Summarize a text. •     Narrow or broaden a topic. •     Develop clear and concise thinking and clear and concise writing. •     Understand the purpose behind each of the different types of essays. •     Write and read stories that contain a larger meaning and that communicate a larger message—i.e., stories that have a premise. •     And many more!

Back to Piaget—Do Students Really Need to Understand Thesis Statements?

Beginning writers and struggling writers do need to understand thesis statements. However, they are not going to really understand them until they master a variety of foundational skills—skills that will make the concept of thesis statements have real meaning. Piaget certainly would not approve of demanding that students include thesis statements when students don’t understand the following basic concepts and when students don’t possess the following foundational writing skills:

Writing Foundation A: Students must understand and internalize two levels of beginning, middle, and ending:

1.     Beginning, middle, and ending in paragraphs. 2.     Beginning, middle, and ending in whole compositions.

Writing Foundation B: Students must be able to write basic whole compositions (essays, reports, narratives etc.) quickly and easily. They must own a method for breaking down writing topics and writing prompts and for organizing their thoughts. They must have a method for getting to work and finishing their work.

Writing Foundation C: Students must be in complete control over the paragraph and how paragraphs connect together within an essay. Students must also to be in complete control over the relationship that paragraphs have with the introduction and conclusion.

Parts to Whole: Create a True Foundation for Thesis Statements

As discussed before, thesis statements are, in one sense, the entire essay stated in a single sentence. The thesis statement represents the whole .

Unfortunately, students are taught parts—parts, parts, parts.  Students learn that they must be able to write just one good sentence—then just one good paragraph. Then all of a sudden, completely out of the blue, some teacher jumps to the top-down approach. This teacher starts with the whole—i.e., thesis statements.

Students learn parts—and then students learn wholes. But they never have the entire process constructed for them in a way that makes sense. Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay is the foundation that makes sense. You will create Writing Foundation A, B, and C, all of them, quickly and easily.

One homeschooling parent had this to say when she found the Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay program:

A kind lady on this board put me on the trail of a writing program that I downloaded last night and I think it is revolutionary – I finally ‘get’ it.

A 7th grade teacher had this to say:

I was describing it to a colleague a little while ago as, ‘the basics made clearer.’  I have taught many of these ideas but not as an organized structure. I had no formal way of getting the ideas to be part of my students’ natural writing process. Thank you for this opportunity to enjoy teaching my students writing.

Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay is the only writing program I know of that is truly constructivist parts-to-whole essay teaching. That’s why it works! That’s why it makes sense to students, parents, and teachers! If you teach elementary school, or if you have a few struggling middle school writers, be sure to take a serious look at the program on the homepage!

Over 15 Years of Creating Writing Success for Beginning and Struggling Writers of All Ages!

The fastest, most effective way to teach students clear and organized multi-paragraph writing… guaranteed, create academic and professional success today by improving your critical thinking, logical arguments, and effective communication.

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Thesis Statement Worksheet Templates

Customize thesis statement templates.

If you're assigning this to your students, copy the worksheet to your account and save. When creating an assignment, just select it as a template!

What is a Thesis Statement?

In academic writing, a thesis statement is the central idea, claim, or argument that guides the entire paper. Knowing how to write a one is essential for creating strong and coherent papers that convey your message effectively. However, crafting an effective statement is not easy and can be a daunting task for many writers, regardless of the subject. Our templates provide a structured framework for students to create well-crafted thesis statements that meet the requirements of academic writing.

What is a Thesis Statement Worksheet?

Our worksheets help plan for any essay or paper. Students can use a specific (enumerative) thesis statement or an umbrella thesis statement to plan out the primary idea of their essay and practice writing effective ideas. Academic writing often requires a strong statement that sets the tone and purpose of the work.

Why Are These Graphic Organizers Important and How Are They Best Used?

Thesis statements are the bedrock for any paper, debate, or other writing assignment. It is used to guide the writing and keep ideas focused on proving that statement true with relevant evidence. Students often have a difficult time getting started, so these templates can help guide them as they craft one to guide their writing. By using a template, learners can structure their thoughts and ideas to create something that is clear, concise, and effective. Outlines provide a framework for writers to understand the different types, generate ideas, and effectively communicate their message. Additionally, graphic organizers offer a visual way to organize ideas, making the process of writing more accessible for learners.

There are different types of worksheets that are designed for different purposes and levels of writing proficiency. Some worksheets may be geared towards helping students develop a basic understanding of how to get started, while others may be more advanced and focused on refining and strengthening existing pieces of writing. Having different templates gives students a choice on which is most useful for their task.

Other Useful Tips for Creating Successful/Useful Thesis Statements Organizer Worksheets

Using worksheet templates can be a powerful tool for helping kids craft strong and effective writing. By providing a structured framework for organizing ideas, learners can better understand the key elements and how to write one effectively. A graphic organizer example can help learners understand the different categories, such as argumentative, analytical, or expository, and how to write a something that fits within these categories.

Graphic organizer examples offer visual representations for parts such as the topic, argument, and main points. This approach can be particularly useful for visual learners who may struggle with written instructions. Templates also allow for differentiation of instruction for learners with different skill levels. For example, some templates may be more structured for learners who are just beginning to learn this type of writing, while others may allow for more flexibility and creativity for more advanced learners.

Using a template can also help learners to better understand the purpose of what they are writing. By breaking down the different components, learners have the space to see how their thesis statement relates to the broader context of their paper and how it guides the reader towards their argument or main point. Overall, worksheet templates can be an effective way to support learners with different learning styles and skill levels and help them to master the art of writing a strong and effective thesis statement.

How to Make A Good Thesis Statement

While a worksheet can be a helpful tool for developing your writing skills, it is not a substitute for careful reading, research, and critical thinking. When using a planning worksheet, it is important to carefully read and follow the instructions and prompts provided. Pay attention to the specific requirements of the assignment, such as the length and format of the thesis statement, as well as the audience and purpose of the writing. Be prepared to revise and refine as needed, based on feedback from your instructor or other readers.

Planning templates are effective by guiding writers through a series of prompts or questions that help them develop a clear and focused argument for their writing assignment. Typically, the worksheet will begin by asking the student to identify the topic of their paper and narrow it down to a specific focus.

The prompts may then ask the student to consider different aspects of their argument, such as the key points they want to make, the evidence they will use to support their claims, and the counterarguments or objections they may need to address. Some worksheets may also provide examples and offer tips for crafting a strong and persuasive argument.

As the student works through the prompts, they will begin to develop a more refined and focused statement that effectively communicates the main argument of their paper. They may also receive feedback or suggestions for improvement from their instructor or peers, which they can use to revise and refine further.

Graphic Organizer Worksheets

Tips to consider when making your worksheet:

• Define the purpose and goals of the worksheet. Determine what specific skills or concepts you want your students to develop and what types of writing assignments they will be working on.
• Choose appropriate prompts or questions. Develop a series of prompts or questions that guide learners through the process of developing a clear and focused thesis statement. The prompts should be clear, concise, and relevant to the specific writing assignment.
• Provide examples and feedback. Offer examples and provide feedback and suggestions for improvement to help students refine their writing skills.
• Consider the needs of different learners. Be sure to consider the needs of different types of learners, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners, and include a variety of activities and strategies to engage all learners.
• Test and revise the worksheet. Try out the worksheet with a small group and gather feedback to identify any areas that may need to be revised or clarified.
• Provide instruction and support. Introduce the worksheet to your class and provide clear instructions and support as they work through the prompts and activities.
• Monitor progress and provide feedback. Monitor progress and provide ongoing feedback and support to help develop writing skills.

Free Thesis Statement Worksheets With Storyboard That

Storyboard That is not just a classroom label maker, it's also a versatile tool that can be used as a thesis statement generator free or even to create various educational resources. With the thesis statement maker, you can easily create templates that guide students in crafting strong and clear thesis statements. Simply choose a template and click on the elements to customize them according to your needs. Once done, you can save the worksheet and either print it right away or keep it in your storyboard library for later use. Whether you need to create free thesis statement worksheets, a specific type of thesis statement, or a general guide to writing thesis statements, Storyboard That's thesis statement creator can help simplify the process and provide a clear and structured framework for kids to follow.

How to Make a Thesis Statement Worksheet

Choose one of the premade templates.

We have lots of templates to choose from. Take a look at our example for inspiration!

Click on "Copy Template"

Once you do this, you will be directed to the storyboard creator.

Give Your Worksheet a Name!

Be sure to call it something related to the topic so that you can easily find it in the future.

Edit Your Worksheet

This is where you will include directions, specific questions and images, and make any aesthetic changes that you would like. The options are endless!

Click "Save and Exit"

When you are finished with your worksheet, click this button in the lower right hand corner to exit your storyboard.

From here you can print, download as a PDF, attach it to an assignment and use it digitally, and more!

Related Storyboard That Resources and Printables

• Essay Outline Worksheets
• Long Composition Template
• Outline Template Worksheets
• Sequencing Worksheets

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Frequently Asked Questions about Thesis Statements

Do i need a worksheet to figure out how to write a thesis statement.

While you don't necessarily need a worksheet to write a thesis statement, a worksheet can help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your thesis statement is strong and effective. Worksheets can provide prompts, examples, and feedback to guide you through the process of how to create a thesis statement that works. They can also help students to work through various examples of both strong and weak thesis statements, and help develop their ability to recognize the characteristics of effective thesis statements, such as clarity, specificity, and a clear argumentative focus. Additionally, the exercises facilitated by the worksheets can help students understand how to develop a thesis statement that effectively guides their writing and provides a strong foundation for their argument. Through the use of example exercises worksheets, students can improve their critical thinking skills and gain confidence in their ability to craft a strong thesis statement.

What is an umbrella thesis statement?

An umbrella thesis statement is a broad statement that encompasses the main point of a paper without providing specific details or evidence. It is called an "umbrella" because it covers a large topic or issue that can be broken down into smaller subtopics for further exploration. An example of an umbrella thesis statement is "The impact of technology on society." Umbrella thesis examples can be an effective tool for teaching students about the importance of clarity and specificity in thesis statements. By using umbrella thesis examples, students can see how a broad topic can be narrowed down into a specific statement that provides a clear direction for the paper. This can help students understand how to craft a thesis statement that is both focused and specific, while still allowing for flexibility in their argument.

How do the worksheets help me to figure out how to make a thesis statement?

Thesis statement exercises worksheets are meant to help students to organize their thoughts and ideas before they begin to write a thesis statement. Worksheets help by providing clear and concise prompts, examples, and support, and helps students to understand the key components of a strong thesis statement and to develop their own unique ideas and arguments. Through the use of a worksheet, students are able to refine their ideas and ensure that their thesis statement accurately reflects the content of their essay or research paper. Ultimately, the worksheet serves as a valuable guide that helps students to write a clear and effective thesis statement.

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Expository Writing for Elementary School Children

When your children come home from school with an expository writing assignment, your first thought as a parent might be, "Huh?" Expository writing is the moniker given to the kinds of writing assignments that simply used to be known as a report. And as such, expository writing, or writing reports, is simultaneously probably the most straightforward and the most challenging kind of assignments that kids will get in elementary school.

Understanding Expository Writing

The ability to write in an expository manner is a component of many careers, and as such, it's an important skill for your child to master.

Expository writing is used to describe, explain, define, or otherwise inform a reader about a specific subject. It’s devoid of opinion or unnecessary descriptive language.

Young students are typically taught to prepare expository writing by following a five-step model. For children just learning to organize their thoughts and write them down, the steps may consist of sentences. Older children may use paragraphs.

The first sentence or paragraph of an expository writing assignment will convey the main idea of the piece. If it's a paragraph, it should include a topic sentence that conveys the thesis clearly, without taking a position or resorting to opinion. The following three sentences or paragraphs will contain supporting details to buttress the main idea. The fifth sentence or paragraph will provide a summary of the piece, or conclusion, often restating the thesis or main idea.

Why It's a Challenge for Students

Unlike other writing assignments that children may get in school, which are designed to inspire them to use words and grammar in a proper fashion, the expository writing assignment has an overarching goal in addition to correct grammar and spelling.

Expository writing provides a challenge to the student because they must be able to organize their thoughts, follow a plan, and in higher grades, conduct research to support their thesis. Fulfilling these kinds of goals, in addition to spelling and using grammar correctly, asks children to think on multiple levels.

In particular, children who may be adept at grammar and spelling may struggle with conveying their thoughts in an organized fashion.

Younger children can be introduced to expository writing simply by having them write journalistically without forming opinions. The teacher might bring in a box of unfamiliar objects and ask students to describe them in writing. Descriptive writing is a great way to start students writing in a neutral tone. Children could compare opposites in writing , describing a summer day's activities versus a winter day's.

For older children, the time-honored book report is a classic exercise in expository writing. Students choose a book and craft a thesis about or a position on it. A topic sentence might identify what kind of book it is, or the kinds of readers for whom the book may be of interest and why. Subsequent sentences back up this assertion.

One good way to help older kids in their use of expository writing is to remind them to address the who, what, when, where, and why of the topic they've chosen. All five components may not always apply, but remembering to think about each of these aspects can help students write a compelling report.

BRYN DONOVAN

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50 Essay Topics for Kids

Hi friends! A while back, after I did a post of story ideas for kids , I got requests for essay topics for kids. I thought it was a little out of my wheelhouse, though, since I’ve never taught children. But then I thought, wait a minute…I’m married to someone who used to teach middle school English! So I invited Mr. Donovan to guest post today. Take it away, honey…

For these, I tried to think about 5th and 6th grade writing topics, but the truth is, most of these writing prompts would also work for kids much younger, and some of them would work for older kids. If you’re a busy teacher or homeschooling parent, I hope you find good ideas you can use.

While this list focuses especially on persuasive writing, it offers a wide range of subjects. I think many students will feel strongly about them since they know about them firsthand, and they may have fun writing about them. Some prompts may encourage students to try to persuade through the use of humor and personal stories, while others may lead them to compare and contrast two things or use logic and/or ethical arguments to support their points of view. Hopefully, their strong feelings will lead student writers to experience persuasive writing as an essential tool for their success.[spacer height=”20px”]

Personal Narrative Essay Ideas

• The three things I can’t live without are…
• In the past year, I’ve changed in the following ways…
• A close call I once had occurred when…
• My favorite hour of the day is…
• I once got lost for a long period of time at…
• One thing I love to shop for is…
• The best sporting event I ever attended was…
• Here’s a time that I was scared but took a chance.
• Here’s what happened when I tried something for the first time.
• The thing I’m most looking forward to this summer is…
• A decision that was very hard to make for me was…
• The last time I laughed really really hard was…
• A time I was really proud of one of my parents/siblings was…
• Describe a favorite family photo and the story it tells.
• One time when I was having dinner with my family…

Persuasive Essay Ideas

• Why It’s Important To Be a Good Winner
• How to Make Friends and Keep Them
• To Be Successful, You Need To…
• How to Disagree With Someone Without Being Rude
• The Best Thing About This School Is….and Here’s Why
• The Best Place to Live Would Be…and Here’s Why
• Why It’s Important to Set Goals
• How to Prevent Bullying
• Students Should Be Allowed to Learn At Their Own Pace
• The Best TV Show On Right Now Is…Because….
• The Best TV Show Ever Made Is….and Here’s Why
• My Favorite Superhero Is…Because…
• Why My Favorite Sport Is the Best Sport
• Students Should/Shouldn’t Have Their Phones at School
• Our Country Would Be Better If We Passed This Law
• No One Should Ever Watch More Than Four Hours of TV, Movies, and Videos a Day
• Why It’s Time to Remove the Penny From Circulation
• It’s Likely that Extraterrestrials Exist
• Taking Photographs of People Without Their Permission Should Be Prohibited
• Telling A Lie Is/Isn’t Always Wrong

Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

• Baseball and basketball have both similarities and differences.
• Here’s what I would and wouldn’t be willing to do for a million dollars
• The biggest differences between winter and spring are…
• Ways I’m alike and ways I’m different from my parent/sibling are…
• Cats and dogs may be very different, but they’re also alike in some respects.
• My two favorite bands compare and contrast in the following ways.
• Compare and contrast your two favorite superheroes.
• My two favorite restaurants are different in many ways.
• Though very different, the sun and the moon do have a few similarities.
• While my two favorite classes have key differences, they also have much in common
• Skating and running have a lot in common.
• Parent teachers and classroom teachers are different and alike in many ways.
• Poems and stories have some similarities and some differences.
• PCs and Mac computers have less in common than you might think.
• The book and movie version of my favorite story have a lot of similarities, but they’re different in some ways.

If you have other ideas for easy essay topics for middle school, let us know in the comments. And if you liked the list, please share them on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter—we appreciate it, and busy teachers might appreciate it, too!  Thanks for reading this, and have a great day!

– Gill Donovan

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11 thoughts on “ 50 essay topics for kids ”.

This is a great list for home schooling parents and self-paced learners. Thank you for sharing.

PS Please hit me back sometime with a comment on my blog http://www.naomiplane.com

Hi! Thanks, Naomi! I’ll stop by your blog in just a sec.

These are so great! Thanks for posting Mr. Donovan! This list can also be used to connect with grandkids. If I answer some of these questions about my own life, the answers will likely be something of interest to my grandchildren and wouldn’t it be great to have them write on the same topics for me to read. Thanks again for your experiences with young people that make greater connection possible.

Thanks, Jessie! Interesting take on the list! I suppose I could actually use the list to connect with my own nieces and nephews.

These are fabulous! I often simply want my children to practice handwriting, but I’m at a loss when they ask me what they should write. This takes care of two problems with one awesome solution! Thank you!! 🙂

Hi, Lisa! So glad you can use it in this way. Thanks for letting me know.

as a mom of three boys, I find the list insightful into the minds of kids.

Good to hear this–as I was working on it, I kept circling back to try to decide whether or not the subjects would appeal to kids. So thanks!

Having taught thirty-one years in elementary school (many of those years in 5th and 6th grade), this is an awesome list. I would have used some of these for sure. Teachers are the biggest thieves.?

When we had creative writing time in my class, I always wrote too. I wanted my students to know that I looked forward to this time. Teachers set the atmosphere. After a time, the kids quit asking, “How much do we have to write?” and instead asked, “Mr. Springer, can we write about this?” Giving students time to share is another key to putting a value on the written word.

Thanks, Pete Springer! As someone who taught 6th grade for a year, I know what a fine achievement it is to bring students to want to write in class and to feel comfortable enough to share their writing. Sounds like you taught some wonderful classes. Great to hear you’d have used these.

I have a essay website http://www.tamilsolution.com in tamil language and iam nearly out of content ideas, you give me a new list of essays for my website, thank you

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Essay Writing Topics for Children

A comprehensive list of simple essay writing topics and ideas for kids.

Essays are literary works written in prose, which present an argument or an opinion. Essay writing is a way to express one’s opinion on a topic. It can be about anything, but essays for kids should relate to the topics they learn in class. English essay writing is the process of creating a literary piece that presents an idea, argument or point of view. Typically, this type of work takes time and effort to develop fully. Children must first understand the nature of the essay and plan their writing accordingly. Also, essay writing is a fulfilling task. Writing on a topic and producing a high-quality essay is not easy, but it is worth the effort. Help kids improve their writing and vocabulary by providing various essay topics in English.

Also, refer to the vocabulary worksheets .

List of 100+ Essay Writing Topics

Essays are an excellent way for kids to practise writing skills and learn about different topics. They can focus on a wide range of topics like the environment, animals and birds, technology, proverbs, etc. Essay writing helps children enhance their critical thinking abilities and express their opinions creatively. English essays also help them identify their strengths and weaknesses in the language. This helps them to improve themselves and overcome writing challenges. Below is a list of essay writing topics for kids, which are helpful in improving their language and writing skills.

Essay Topics on Nature and Environment

• Value of Trees Essay
• Planting Trees Essay
• Essay on Banyan Tree
• Apple Tree Essay
• Save Environment Essay
• Trees Our Best Friend Essay
• Causes of Environmental Pollution Essay
• Environmental Pollution Essay
• Population Explosion Essay

Essay Topics on Animals and Birds

• Essay on Dog
• Essay on Elephant

Essay Topics on Technology

• Essay on Mobile Phone
• Social Media Essay

Essay Topics on Proverbs

• A Stitch in Time Saves Nine Essay
• Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover Essay

Essay Topics on Yourself

• School Life Essay

How to Write an Essay?

Little ones might find essay writing quite a challenging task. However, to write a good English essay, one has to spend time researching. Here are some simple steps on how to write good essays for kids.

• Start with a brainstorm of ideas.
• The following step would be to learn how the different parts of the essay should be structured.
• Next, collect notes and other writing materials to outline the main points.
• Then, create a rough draft related to what you want to convey in the paragraphs.
• Edit it by removing unnecessary words and phrases.
• Finally, read it over for any potential inconsistencies and rectify them, if you find any.

Frequently Asked Questions on Essay

What is an essay.

Essays are literary works written in prose, which present an argument or an opinion. Essay writing is a way to express one’s opinion on a topic. It can be about anything.

How to write an essay?

Start with a brainstorming of ideas. Learn how the different parts of the essay should be structured. Next, collect the notes and other writing materials to outline the main points. Then, create a rough draft by writing out what you want to say in the paragraphs. Edit it by taking out unnecessary words and phrases. Read it over for any potential inconsistencies before turning in your piece.

What are some nature and environment essay topics for kids?

Nature and environment essay topics for kids include essays on a tree for Class 1, the save environment essay, the causes of environmental pollution essay, the population explosion essay, etc.

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Definition of thesis

Did you know.

In high school, college, or graduate school, students often have to write a thesis on a topic in their major field of study. In many fields, a final thesis is the biggest challenge involved in getting a master's degree, and the same is true for students studying for a Ph.D. (a Ph.D. thesis is often called a dissertation ). But a thesis may also be an idea; so in the course of the paper the student may put forth several theses (notice the plural form) and attempt to prove them.

Examples of thesis in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

in sense 3, Middle English, lowering of the voice, from Late Latin & Greek; Late Latin, from Greek, downbeat, more important part of a foot, literally, act of laying down; in other senses, Latin, from Greek, literally, act of laying down, from tithenai to put, lay down — more at do

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a(1)

Dictionary Entries Near thesis

the sins of the fathers are visited upon the children

thesis novel

Cite this Entry

“Thesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thesis. Accessed 31 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of thesis, more from merriam-webster on thesis.

Nglish: Translation of thesis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of thesis for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thesis

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30 Short English Essays for kids

Short English essays for kids are an excellent way to foster creativity, enhance language skills, and encourage young minds to express their thoughts and ideas. These essays , typically ranging from a few sentences to a couple of paragraphs , are tailored to the comprehension level of children. They cover a wide range of topics, allowing children to explore their interests and develop their writing skills.

Download essays for kids for later learning and use   (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Download PDF

Table of Contents

Essay Topics for Kids

Writing essays can be an enjoyable and educational experience for kids. Here are a few essay topics tailored for younger writers:

My father is my greatest strength. He has good habits and good manners. He helps me in my study. He loves to play with me. He believes in discipline. He helps my mother with household chores. He listens to my problems very patiently. He always cares about our family members. He always shows a sense of confidence in me. I am proud of my father.

My Best Friend

A friend in need is a friend indeed. Man is a social animal. He cannot live alone. He needs the help of others. So he makes friends. My father always advises me to keep away from bad company. Let me introduce you to my best friend. Ali is my best friend. He belongs to a noble family. We live like real brothers. He wears simple clothes. He helps the poor. He is of my age. His father is a doctor. He does not mix with bad boys. He says his prayers daily. He is very intelligent. He is at home in all subjects. He stands first in our class every year. He helps the weak boys in their studies. He is a good player in hockey. He is the apple of his parent’s eyes. live long!

My Best Teacher

Teaching is a noble profession. It is the profession of prophets. The best people in the world are those who teach others. The teacher is an engineer, a doctor, and an officer maker. I have many teachers but Ali is my best teacher. He belongs to a good family. His father is a doctor. He is an M.A., B.ED. He is fifty years old. He teaches us English. He checks our homework daily. He is very hard-working. He gets up early in the morning. He wears neat and clean clothes. All the teachers like him. I like him very much. May he live long.

My Classroom

A classroom is a respectable place. It is a place where we get knowledge. It is my classroom. It is airy and spacious. It has two doors. It has three windows. It has four ventilators. It has thirty desks in it. There is a table and chair for the teacher in it. There is also a blackboard on the wall. There are four ceiling fans in it. There are maps, charts, and pictures on its walls. It is a very beautiful classroom. I like my classroom very much, I keep it clean.

A policeman is a government servant. His duty is to keep law and order. He keeps our lives and property safe. He is dutiful and obedient. He is always bold and courageous. He never hesitates to face danger. He is always active, alert, and energetic. There are also traffic police. Traffic police control and regulate the traffic. He is a true servant of society. We should respect him.

The name of my country is Pakistan. It came into being on 14th August 1947. It was founded by Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It is an Islamic state. It has four provinces. The name of its capital is Islamabad. There are four seasons in my country, its people are very loving and kind. The national language of Pakistan is Urdu. The national sport of Pakistan is hockey. The national fruit of Pakistan is the mango. I love my country very much.

I study in Govt. Pilot School. It has a new building with spacious rooms. It has a practical science lab for students. It has a big library. The playground of our school is very large and beautiful. Our class teacher is a very kind man. All the other teachers are also kind. The principal of our school is a very friendly man. We all live like a family here. The schools like ours are the real wealth of our country. I am proud of my school.

The horse is a friend of a man. Man’s love for the horse is well-known. The Arabian horses are famous. The horses live mainly on grass. In the olden days, horses were used to carry people and goods from place to place. An adult male horse is called a ‘stallion’. An adult female horse is called a ‘mare’. A male baby horse is called a colt. A female baby horse is called a foal. He is very faithful to his master. Warriors are very fond of their horses.

A Morning Walk

A morning walk is a good exercise for all. It is very helpful for our health. It is as useful for the body as food. The fresh air is very useful for our lungs. The cool breeze refreshes us. We hear the chirping of the birds. I am very fond of morning walks, I get up early in the morning. The rising sun looks very beautiful in the park. Everything looks very fresh and blooming. The dewdrops on the grass look very lovely. We walk barefoot on the green grass.

Visit to a Park

A park is a place of beauty. It presents a feast of joy before us. In summer, I sit under its shady trees. The rows of roses attract my eyes. I enjoy the birds singing in the trees. I grow plants in the park. I came here to get fresh and clean air. It provides me with a place for sports. Many people visit the garden at different hours of the day. People come here for a walk and jogging. Other people come here to exercise and ease. A park is a place of beauty.

A Visit to a Zoo

Last week we went to the Lahore Zoo. I went with my father, mother, and brothers. We reached the zoo at around 12.00 p.m. We bought tickets and entered the zoo. First, we went to see the birds. There were many birds of beautiful colors. We also saw lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, and cheetahs. We also saw many other animals. After that, we went to the Aquarium. There we saw many varieties of fish. After that, we sat under a tree and had our lunch. At 4.00 p.m. we returned home. We will never forget this trip.

An Accident

Road accidents are very common in big cities. Careless driving causes accidents. Some drivers do not obey the traffic rules. A car was coming at a very high speed. The car hits the cyclist at a turn. Another car collided with this car. The cyclist fell down. He became senseless. People caught the car driver. People called the Ambulance for the cyclist. We should follow the traffic rules to stay safe.”

Journey by Bus

Once I traveled by bus from Lahore to Multan. The bus started its journey at 6 p.m. It traveled at a good speed. There were road lights near the towns. It was very cold at night. All of a sudden, the bus stopped. There was some problem with the engine. The driver opened the engine and made some corrections. Luckily, the bus started again. I reached Multan at 11 p.m.

God has bestowed upon us many blessings. Mother is one of these blessings. I often feel incomplete without my mother. The name of my mother is she is a housewife. She is a very kind lady. She loves me very much. She gets up early in the morning. She says her prayers regularly. She recites the Holy Quran daily. She cooks food for us. She cleans the house daily. She helps me with my studies. She is a simple woman. She always helps the poor. I love her very much. May she live long!

The Telephone

The telephone is a wonderful gift of science. It was invented by Graham Bell. The two telephone sets are connected by wires. People use it everywhere. In every phone, it has a number. It has a speaker and a microphone. It has a dialing pad that shows numbers. It saves time and money. It is very useful to mankind.

A Hockey Match

Last year, the Inter-board Tournament was held in our school. The final match was played between the teams of D. G. Khan and Rajanpur. Everybody was excited. The match started at 9 am. During the first half, both teams played well. Only a minute before the end of the first half, the Rajanpur Team made a fast move. Their center forward hit the ball into the goal. After that, the referee blew the whistle to end the first half. In the second half, the D. G. Khan Team attacked well to equal the score. At last, they scored the equalizer. Now the match was in full swing. Each team was trying hard to score the winning goal. But no team could succeed in its efforts. At last, the Rajanpur Team secured the winning goal. The people in favor of the winning team shouted and clapped. It was a wonderful match.

This age is the age of dearness. A man has to do a lot of work from morning till evening to earn his living. Sometimes, he has to labor beyond his capacity to meet his needs and desires properly. Thus he feels boredom. To keep the boredom away, he tries to enjoy some kind of recreation. A picnic party is also a source of recreation. During the summer vacation, we, the students of class seven, decided to take a trip to the Murree Hills. We went there by bus. We started our journey early in the morning. We were very happy and made the journey pleasant by talking and cutting jokes. The Journey through the mountainous area was very pleasant. There was greenery everywhere. We passed through the high hills of Marghala. The road lay ahead moving round the lofty rocks. The scenery was very charming. The ascent and descent of the road were very enjoyable. We stopped on the way and had our lunch at a restaurant. We reached Murree before sunset. We stay at Edina rest house. We enjoyed ourselves in the beautiful scenery of Murree Hills. A ride on the chairlift at Ayoubia was very thrilling. We stayed there for a week. It was a wonderful experience. We cannot forget those happy moments.

A visit to Hill Station

After taking exams I felt boredom. I managed to go to Murree to keep the boredom away. I with my class fellows went to Murree by bus. We start our journey early in the morning. We made our journey pleasant by cutting jokes. There was greenery everywhere near the mountainous area. We passed through the high hills of Marghala. The ascent and descent of the road were very enjoyable. We reached Murree before sunset. We enjoy ourselves in the beautiful views of Murree. A ride on the chair lift at Ayoubia was very exciting. We stayed there for a week.

It is a cow. It is a pet animal. It is in many colors. It has two eyes, two ears, and two horns. It has a long tail. It has four Legs. It eats grass. It gives us milk. We make butter, ghee, and cheese from it. We eat its meat. Its skin is used in bag, belt, and shoe making. We use its dung for manure. It is a very useful animal. It is found everywhere.

The computer has changed the world altogether. It has made things easier. There are many types of computers. In the beginning, computers were very big in size. But nowadays quite slim and smart computers are made. We can keep all types of records on computers. The most amazing thing is that we can talk to anybody, anywhere, and at any time in the world through the internet. It has reduced the distances and made the world a global village. In fact, it is the most amazing invention of the present age. We should use this device for useful purposes only.

My Favorite Game

Sports are necessary for our health. Games improve our fitness. Hockey is our national game. Football is also a favorite game of our people. “Sometimes to work, sometimes to play” is a right English proverb. It must be followed in life by everybody. My favorite game is cricket. I play cricket with my friends on holiday. The cool morning hour is the best time for playing. On Sunday, I go to vast open ground with my friends. We play cricket with a team spirit and obey the discipline of the team. This game builds our body and refreshes our minds. It also makes us active and improves our fitness. In the playground, we learn how to cooperate with one another and to be just and fair as well. All the games benefit both mind and body and improve fitness but I like cricket the most. It has created confidence in me and made me a good citizen.

A hobby is work that we do in our spare time. It is not a profession. Stamps collection, collection of old coins, painting, photography, and gardening are some popular hobbies. Gardening is my favorite hobby. It is a cheap hobby. I have a small grassy plot adjacent to my house. I have grown there different types of plants. I water them twice a day. I remove all kinds of weeds from there. After some days the flower buds become ready. They bloom after a few days. I enjoy their sweet smell. I look after them with care and love. When I am tired, I sit in the company of these pretty flowers. I decorate my drawing room with them. I give some flowers to my friends as a gift, too. This hobby gives me much pleasure and removes my worries. Greenery and flowers are a great blessing of Allah Almighty. I like my hobby very much.

Quaid-e-Azam

Quaid-e-Azam is the greatest leader in our history. His real name is Muhammad Ali Jinnah. His father’s name was Ponja Jinnah. He was a businessman in Karachi. He was born in Karachi on 25th December 1876. He was an intelligent and serious child. He received his early education in Karachi. He was a man of great willpower. He worked very hard for the nation. In 1940 the famous Pakistan Resolution was adopted. Pakistan came into being on 14th August 1947. He became the first Governor-General of Pakistan, He died on 11th September 1948. His tomb is in Karachi.

It is a great blessing to have friends. It is a natural phenomenon to make friends. At the school level, we make friends, share with them our things, and lunch box, and discuss little innocent matters. We feel happy to play with them and sometimes we go to school and play together.

But to make a friend, we must keep some points in our mind. He must be honest, kind-hearted and caring. If a person has these qualities you can make him your friend and start your friendship which will be long lasting. Every person has some weaknesses, so when you say, he is my friend, then accept him with all his weaknesses and improve him through your good behavior and smile. If your friend gives you time for playing and helps you in your studies and does not waste your time and takes care of you, your time and study, are your loyal friend, you can trust him. If your friend respects you and in return you respect him, and he forbids you from wrong doing, is your true friend. In friendship, you must avoid little things because the friendship is based on trust and mutual respect. When you avoid little things, with the passage of time your friendship will be strong.

Traffic Education

Every education helps man to make him civilized, sensible, and a good citizen, therefore the role of Traffic education is very important in this regard to drive the vehicle on the road safely. We daily travel in different vehicles, some use their own cars and some use public transport, therefore we must know the basic rules of how to drive a vehicle, what is a function of one way-traffic and two way-traffic, how we can follow the white lines which are drawn. So the vehicles follow them and avoid overspeed and rash driving. On every big road, we can see traffic signs with the help of the drivers, these signs include maximum speed, turn, signals, overhead bridge underpass, coming city or stop, etc. These signs help us in our driving so that we can safely reach our destination. In big cities, the flow of traffic is greater than the small cities. So we must follow the traffic signals and abide by the rules because these rules are only for our safety. The major cause of accidents on the roads are lack of traffic education which we do not follow. Every driver must get a traffic education and after the test, he/she should come on the road for the safety of himself/herself and others. When we follow the traffic rules, signs, and signals we can become responsible citizens.

My Favorite Animal

I love cats! Cats are my favorite animals because they are cute, cuddly, and full of personality. They have soft fur that feels so nice to pet. Cats come in all sorts of colors and patterns, which makes them even more interesting. Cats are also very playful. They chase after toys and pounce on imaginary prey. It’s so much fun to watch them play. Cats are independent too. They can groom themselves and use a litter box, which makes them easy to take care of. But the best thing about cats is their purring. When a cat purrs, it’s like they’re telling you they’re happy and content. I love snuggling with my cat and listening to her purr. Cats are truly wonderful animals, and I’m lucky to have one as my pet.

My family is small but full of love and happiness. It’s just me, my mom, and my dad. We may be small in numbers, but we are big in heart. We do everything together, from playing games to cooking delicious meals. Mom takes care of us and makes our home cozy, while Dad tells us fun stories and teaches me new things. We laugh a lot, share secrets, and support each other.

Our small family is like a close-knit team, always there for one another. I feel safe, loved, and cherished in our little family, and that’s what makes it so special and happy.

My Favorite Book

My favorite book is a magical adventure called “Harry Potter.” It’s about a young wizard named Harry who goes to a school for magic. The book has wizards, witches, spells, and fantastic creatures. I love it because it takes me to a world of imagination where anything is possible. The characters are brave and kind, and they teach important lessons about friendship and courage.

When I read “Harry Potter,” I feel like I’m right there with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, battling dragons and solving mysteries. It’s a book that makes me dream and believe in the power of magic, and that’s why it’s my favorite.

A Day at the Beach

The beach is a magical place for children. One sunny day, I went to the beach with my family. The sky was blue, and the soft sand felt warm under my feet. I could hear the waves gently crashing onto the shore, creating a soothing sound. We built sandcastles, letting the sand slip through our fingers, and decorated them with seashells. The ocean was inviting, so we splashed and played in the cool water. We even saw some colorful fish swimming nearby. Eating ice-cream and watching the sunset, I felt happy and relaxed. A day at the beach is always a day filled with joy and wonderful memories.

The Importance of Trees

Trees are very important. They give us clean air to breathe. Trees take in bad air and make it good. They also give homes to birds and animals. In the summer, trees give us shade. This keeps us cool. Trees also give us fruits like apples and oranges. We can climb trees and play around them. Trees make our world look beautiful. We must take care of trees because they help us in many ways. Planting more trees is good for our earth. We should love and protect trees always. Trees are our friends.

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Is a robot writing your kids’ essays? We asked educators to weigh in on the growing role of AI in classrooms.

Educators weigh in on the growing role of ai and chatgpt in classrooms..

Remember writing essays in high school? Chances are you had to look up stuff in an encyclopedia — an actual one, not Wikipedia — or else connect to AOL via a modem bigger than your parents’ Taurus station wagon.

Now, of course, there’s artificial intelligence. According to new research from Pew, about 1 in 5 US teens who’ve heard of ChatGPT have used it for schoolwork. Kids in upper grades are more apt to have used the chatbot: About a quarter of 11th- and 12th-graders who know about ChatGPT have tried it.

For the uninitiated, ChatGPT arrived on the scene in late 2022, and educators continue to grapple with the ethics surrounding its growing popularity. Essentially, it generates free, human-like responses based on commands. (I’m sure this sentence will look antiquated in about six months, like when people described the internet as the “information superhighway.”)

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I used ChatGPT to plug in this prompt: “Write an essay on ‘The Scarlet Letter.’” Within moments, ChatGPT created an essay as thorough as anything I’d labored over in AP English.

Is this cheating? Is it just part of our strange new world? I talked to several educators about what they’re seeing in classrooms and how they’re monitoring it. Before you berate your child over how you wrote essays with a No. 2 pencil, here are some things to consider.

Adapting to new technology isn’t immoral. “We have to recalibrate our sense of what’s acceptable. There was a time when every teacher said: ‘Oh, it’s cheating to use Wikipedia.’ And guess what? We got used to it, we decided it’s reputable enough, and we cite Wikipedia all the time,” says Noah Giansiracusa, an associate math professor at Bentley University who hosts the podcast “ AI in Academia: Navigating the Future .”

“There’s a calibration period where a technology is new and untested. It’s good to be cautious and to treat it with trepidation. Then, over time, the norms kind of adapt,” he says — just like new-fangled graphing calculators or the internet in days of yore.

“I think the current conversation around AI should not be centered on an issue with plagiarism. It should be centered on how AI will alter methods for learning and expressing oneself. ‘Catching’ students who use fully AI-generated products ... implies a ‘gotcha’ atmosphere,” says Jim Nagle, a history teacher at Bedford High School. “Since AI is already a huge part of our day-to-day lives, it’s no surprise our students are making it a part of their academic tool kit. Teachers and students should be at the forefront of discussions about responsible and ethical use.”

Teachers and parents could use AI to think about education at a higher level. Really, learning is about more than regurgitating information — or it should be, anyway. But regurgitation is what AI does best.

“If our system is just for students to write a bunch of essays and then grade the results? Something’s missing. We need to really talk about their purpose and what they’re getting out of this, and maybe think about different forms of assignments and grading,” Giansiracusa says.

After all, while AI aggregates and organizes ideas, the quality of its responses depends on the users’ prompts. Instead of recoiling from it, use it as a conversation-starter.

“What parents and teachers can do is to start the conversation with kids: ‘What are we trying to learn here? Is it even something that ChatGPT could answer? Why did your assignment not convince you that you need to do this thinking on your own when a tool can do it for you?’” says Houman Harouni , a lecturer on education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Harouni urges parents to read an essay written by ChatGPT alongside their student. Was it good? What could be done better? Did it feel like a short cut?

“What they’re going to remember is that you had that conversation with them; that someone thought, at some point in their lives, that taking a shortcut is not the best way ... especially if you do it with the tool right in front of you, because you have something real to talk about,” he says.

Harouni hopes teachers think about its implications, too. Consider math: So much grunt work has been eliminated by calculators and computers. Yet kids are still tested as in days of old, when perhaps they could expand their learning to be assessed in ways that are more personal and human-centric, leaving the rote stuff to AI.

“We could take this moment of confusion and loss of certainty seriously, at least in some small pockets, and start thinking about what a different kind of school would look like. Five years from now, we might have the beginnings of some very interesting exploration. Five years from now, you and I might be talking about schools wherein teaching and learning is happening in a very self-directed way, in a way that’s more based on … igniting the kid’s interest and seeing where they go and supporting them to go deeper and to go wider,” Harouni says.

Teachers have the chance to offer assignments with more intentionality.

“Really think about the purpose of the assignments. Don’t just think of the outcome and the deliverable: ‘I need a student to produce a document.’ Why are we getting students to write? Why are we doing all these things in the first place? If teachers are more mindful, and maybe parents can also be more mindful, I think it pushes us away from this dangerous trap of thinking about in terms of ‘cheating,’ which, to me, is a really slippery path,” Giansiracusa says.

AI can boost confidence and reduce procrastination. Sometimes, a robot can do something better than a human, such as writing a dreaded resume and cover letter. And that’s OK; it’s useful, even.

“Often, students avoid applying to internships because they’re just overwhelmed at the thought of writing a cover letter, or they’re afraid their resume isn’t good enough. I think that tools like this can help them feel more confident. They may be more likely to do it sooner and have more organized and better applications,” says Kristin Casasanto, director of post-graduate planning at Olin College of Engineering.

Casasanto says that AI is also useful for de-stressing during interview prep.

“Students can use generative AI to plug in a job description and say, ‘Come up with a list of interview questions based on the job description,’ which will give them an idea of what may be asked, and they can even then say, ‘Here’s my resume. Give me answers to these questions based on my skills and experience.’ They’re going to really build their confidence around that,” Casasanto says.

Plus, when students use AI for basics, it frees up more time to meet with career counselors about substantive issues.

“It will help us as far as scalability. … Career services staff can then utilize our personal time in much more meaningful ways with students,” Casasanto says.

We need to remember: These kids grew up during a pandemic. We can’t expect kids to resist technology when they’ve been forced to learn in new ways since COVID hit.

“Now we’re seeing pandemic-era high school students come into college. They’ve been channeled through Google Classroom their whole career,” says Katherine Jewell, a history professor at Fitchburg State University.

“They need to have technology management and information literacy built into the curriculum,” Jewell says.

Jewell recently graded a paper on the history of college sports. It was obvious which papers were written by AI: They didn’t address the question. In her syllabus, Jewell defines plagiarism as “any attempt by a student to represent the work of another, including computers, as their own.”

This means that AI qualifies, but she also has an open mind, given students’ circumstances.

“My students want to do the right thing, for the most part. They don’t want to get away with stuff. I understand why they turned to these tools; I really do. I try to reassure them that I’m here to help them learn systems. I’m focusing much more on the learning process. I incentivize them to improve, and I acknowledge: ‘You don’t know how to do this the first time out of the gate,’” Jewell says. “I try to incentivize them so that they’re improving their confidence in their abilities, so they don’t feel the need to turn to these tools.”

Understand the forces that make kids resort to AI in the first place . Clubs, sports, homework: Kids are busy and under pressure. Why not do what’s easy?

“Kids are so overscheduled in their day-to-day lives. I think there’s so much enormous pressure on these kids, whether it’s self-inflicted, parent-inflicted, or school-culture inflicted. It’s on them to maximize their schedule. They’ve learned that AI can be a way to take an assignment that would take five hours and cut it down to one,” says a teacher at a competitive high school outside Boston who asked to remain anonymous.

Recently, this teacher says, “I got papers back that were just so robotic and so cold. I had to tell [students]: ‘I understand that you tried to use a tool to help you. I’m not going to penalize you, but what I am going to penalize you for is that you didn’t actually answer the prompt.”

Afterward, more students felt safe to come forward to say they’d used AI. This teacher hopes that age restrictions become implemented for these programs, similar to apps such as Snapchat. Educationally and developmentally, they say, high-schoolers are still finding their voice — a voice that could be easily thwarted by a robot.

“Part of high school writing is to figure out who you are, and what is your voice as a writer. And I think, developmentally, that takes all of high school to figure out,” they say.

And AI can’t replicate voice and personality — for now, at least.

Kara Baskin can be reached at [email protected] . Follow her @kcbaskin .

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IN THE NEWS: Outdoor learning, challenges after jail and Florida’s social media ban for kids

Thursday, March 28, 2024 | by Tarryn Landman

In recent media appearances, Brock experts discussed outdoor learning, challenges people face after being released from Ontario jails, Florida’s social media ban for children and bamboo as a potential sustainable construction material.

The benefits of outdoor learning for young children: Professor of Educational Studies Debra Harwood spoke to TVO about the benefits of children learning outdoors and the forest school located at the Rosalind Blauer Centre for Child Care on Brock University’s main campus.

Were you set up for success after you were released from jail?: Assistant Professor of Sociology Samantha McAleese spoke to CBC Radio One about the challenges people face when they are released from jail in Ontario.

Florida moves to ban social media use for children under 14 : Professor of Educational Studies Sandra Bosacki spoke to 900 CHML about a new law banning social media accounts for children under the age of 14.

Brock researcher says giant bamboo may be future of sustainable construction: Associate Professor of Engineering Amir Mofidi’s research on the potential use of  engineered bamboo in construction was featured in Canadian Architect.

Read more stories in: Brock Media Clips , Education , Faculty & staff , Mathematics and Science , Research , Social Sciences Tagged with: Amir Mofidi , Debra Harwood , Department of Educational Studies , Department of Engineering , faculty of education , faculty of mathematics and science , faculty of social sciences , Forest School , rosalind blauer centre for child care , Samantha McAleese , Sandra Bosacki , sociology

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The Ninety-Five Theses facts for kids

The Ninety-Five Theses on the Power of Indulgences , commonly known as The Ninety-Five Theses , was written by Martin Luther .

Luther argued that the Church should not sell indulgences . Because many people agreed, Luther became very popular, paving the way for the Protestant Reformation .

On October 31, 1517, Luther approached the church authorities with his pressing call for reform. On this day he presented them with his theses. When the bishops did not respond, Luther circulated his theses privately. The theses spread quickly and were printed in Nuremberg, Leipzig, and Basel.

Most recently, in February 2007, the media reported that a handwritten note by Luther's secretary Georg Rörer, found in the university library at Jena , appeared to confirm the traditional account of Luther's nailing the theses to the door. As of February 2007, this new find has yet to be assessed by scholars.

Images for kids

1517 Nuremberg printing of the Ninety-five Theses as a placard , now in the Berlin State Library

Woodcut of an indulgence-seller in a church from a 1521 pamphlet

1525 woodcut of forgiveness from Christ outweighing the pope's indulgences

First page of the 1517 Basel printing of the Theses as a pamphlet

This nineteenth-century painting by Julius Hübner sensationalizes Luther's posting of the Theses before a crowd. In reality, posting theses for a disputation would have been routine.

Print made for the 1617 Reformation Jubilee showing Luther enscribing the Theses on the Wittenberg church door with a giant quill

• This page was last modified on 16 October 2023, at 16:53. Suggest an edit .

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Six students share their inspirations and outcomes

From African baobabs to virtual reality, here is a closer look at six thesis projects Harvard students undertook this year.

In the suburbs

Madeline Ranalli is pictured alongside a mural promoting Nonantum, one of 13 villages within her hometown of Newton, Massachusetts.

Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

In leafy suburbs across the U.S., residents have rallied to block affordable housing from their neighborhoods.

“A lot of the resistance comes in the form of people saying, ‘Look what this development is going to do to the trees,’” noted Madeline Ranalli ’23.

The government concentrator (with a secondary in energy and environment ) used her senior thesis to examine how these communities wield environmentalism in opposition to multifamily residential developments.

“There’s this misconception that the more green you see, the more environmentally friendly a place is,” Ranalli explained. “But the way a community is designed can actually undermine the environmental benefits of those natural resources.”

The thesis analyzes four car-centric suburbs in California’s Bay Area, where the shortage of affordable housing is especially stark. The region is the birthplace of mainstream American environmentalism and has a history of resistance to multifamily housing. But it’s also a place where lawmakers are passing leading-edge legislation to bolster affordability and density.

Ranalli conducted dozens of in-person interviews, and worked with the Harvard Digital Lab for the Social Sciences to survey the nationwide frequency of using environmentalism to oppose land use that would actually reduce carbon footprints.

“This is by no means unique to California,” said Ranalli, who grew up observing similar rhetoric in her hometown of Newton, Massachusetts. “It’s very much a phenomenon in affluent, Democratic suburbs.”

While conducting research, Ranalli, now a legislative intern with the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, discovered “The Environmental Protection Hustle” (1979) by the late MIT urban planning professor Bernard J. Frieden , which helped inform her argument that environmentalism is more than an ideology about the importance of protecting natural resources.

“It’s also a very legitimate political strategy that can be employed very successfully to achieve certain ends,” Ranalli said.

Across the savannas

Audrey “Rey” Chin in Mozambique studying baobab trees.

Courtesy photo

Last summer, Audrey “Rey” Chin ’24 hiked 125 miles across dense savanna in Mozambique, painstakingly collecting data from more than 100 trees that make up a delicate, changing ecosystem.

An Environmental Science and Public Policy program concentrator, Chin wrote her senior thesis on the distribution and vulnerability of African baobabs, the largest fruit-bearing trees on the planet, which carry both ecological and cultural significance for the region. Elephants use these iconic trees as nutrient sources, stripping their bark, extracting water, and eating them. In doing so, they spread the seeds to help the trees reproduce.

Chin wrote her senior thesis on the distribution and vulnerability of African baobabs.

Chin’s thesis integrates her field study with remote sensing data to evaluate the extent to which landscape variables, including elephants, affect the health of baobabs. Chin is conducting the research in the lab of Andrew Davies , assistant professor of organismic and evolutionary biology.

“I think [the project] is ultimately about trying to find a way to balance the conservation priorities of the two species, and understand the interaction that’s happening,” she said.

The remote Karingani Game Reserve in southern Mozambique, where Chin and classmate/labmate Hannah Adler ’25 conducted the field work, is a test bed for understanding the current level of elephant utilization of the trees, and how that relationship could inform stewardship and conservation practices for years to come. The area came under official protection in 2017. Since then, migration from nearby Kruger National Park as well as anti-poaching and landscape restoration measures have led to a surge in the elephant population.

“The opportunity to witness the biodiversity and interconnectivity of different species was probably the most awe-inspiring part of the project,” Chin said.

In the workshop

Francisco Marquez with his prototype bicycle.

Photos by Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

Francisco Marquez ’24 had always ridden bicycles, but it was pandemic-fueled restlessness during his freshman year that led the mechanical engineering concentrator to learn how to build them.

Now the de facto bike mechanic of his friend group, Marquez pursued a senior capstone project that tackled a perennial problem for two-wheeled enthusiasts like him: size.

“Because I’m a fairly large person, most bikes don’t fit me,” said Marquez, who is 6 foot 4. “I also have a bunch of friends who are very small, and they also can’t find a bike that really fits them. I decided to try to make a bike that could fit everybody.”

Marquez designed and built a modular bicycle frame with a shape and size that can be adjusted to fit very short people, very tall people, and everyone in between. It also allows children to grow into their wheels.

“It could even be something that you buy for a teenager, that they can then use as they grow into adulthood,” he said.

Simplifying the frame into standard components such as top tube, down tube, and fork, Marquez redesigned each piece with unlocking mechanisms using joints and pins, allowing for rotating, loosening, and retightening. Manufacturing was no simple task; it took a year’s worth of testing to find the right materials and configuration for a bike that could be adjusted easily yet remain reliably rigid during use. He settled upon a retrofit of a vintage steel-framed bicycle and created his own custom parts. Throughout the process, Marquez picked up skills like welding and spent many hours in the Science and Engineering Complex machine shop , working with tools like a lathe and a mill.

Testing it for the first time in its tallest configuration, Marquez smiled when it fit like a glove. He said it was gratifying to be able to see his own design come to life.

“I’ve never ridden a bike that feels like this,” he said.

In the gardens

Rivers Sheehan in her studio space on Linden Street.

In the southern colonies of 18th-century America, the science of botany was used for economic purposes but also for aesthetics, using beautiful gardens and cultivated landscapes to mask a brutal plantation economy.

Rivers Sheehan ’23, a joint concentrator in art, film, and visual studies and history of science , completed a thesis project that combined historical research with an art exhibit, examining how botany, considered a gentlemanly European science in the 18th century, found new roots in the U.S.

“I looked at how that epistemology got applied in the South, in the frontier lands where people were both setting up really profitable and violent plantations using botanical knowledge and also setting up estate gardens that were inspired by French and English landscape design, often on the same properties,” said Sheehan, who wrote a 90-page paper detailing her findings.

For the art element, the December 2023 graduate created a multimedia exhibit of paintings, photographs, prints, and drawings inspired by her research at the plantations and also her own relationship to the natural world. Some of the pieces use paper dyed with natural indigo, birch bark, rabbit skin glue, leaves, and wild mushrooms. Sheehan worked in a variety of media, each representative of a different modality she learned during her time at Harvard.

“The studio project is a way of bringing this niche research into the contemporary moment and offering another way for an audience to come into it who isn’t necessarily an academic historian of science, which is the audience for the written part of it,” Sheehan explained.

Stepping back in time

Cindy Tian created a virtual reality program.

Virtual reality can facilitate all manner of educational experiences — like bringing visitors inside the Pyramids of Giza . Cindy Tian ’23, a joint concentrator in computer science and archaeology , wondered how the technology would fare with more complicated lessons.

“I wanted to see if VR can show archaeological processes that are harder for the general public to understand,” she said. “Would the technology improve the transfer of information from archaeologists and museum staff?”

Her thesis took the form of an exhibit for the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography , still on view near the third-floor stairwell. Tian first created a display featuring artifacts that illuminate flintknapping — or fashioning blades, points, and other tools from a stone core. On view are everything from hammerstones to chipping tools.

Tian, a December grad, also created a virtual reality program that allowed visitors to simulate making their own tools with objects like the ones on display.

“Flintknapping is a reductive process where you basically remove pieces of rock,” said Tian, who will soon start a full-time role with a music analytics startup. “It’s just one of the things where it’s better to learn by doing rather than reading or hearing someone talk about it.”

Finally, Tian tested who learned best about flintknapping — those who took in the exhibit, those who used the VR program, or those who encountered both.

“Are we integrating VR because it’s cool? Or is it actually helpful ?” she wondered.

Those who experienced both the exhibit and the VR scored highest on Tian’s post-visit content quiz. The same group emerged with more positive opinions of the flintknapping lesson.

“They essentially got to do it without doing it,” Tian said. “I found that the virtual reality is definitely beneficial for helping people learn about archaeological processes.”

Working in the studio

Five large abstract paintings are included in Isabel Haro’s thesis, which is titled “Taking Refuge.”

Abstract art has long served as a vessel for artists — think Hilma af Klint or Wassily Kandinsky — to explore religion and spirituality.

Isabel Haro ’24, a concentrator in art, film, and visual studies with a secondary in music , was inspired to pursue a thesis that explored this topic after taking the course “Spiritual Paths to Abstract Art” with Professor Ann Braude at Harvard Divinity School . Haro, who practices Buddhism, wanted to create a collection of work inspired by her own experiences.

“It’s very hard to talk about spirituality in the contemporary art world. It’s something that a lot of people are not interested in, or actively shy away from,” said Haro. “My intention was to be really diligent and responsible with how I was bringing Buddhism into the art conversation.”

To prepare, she studied other artists and paintings, read Buddhist scripture and poetry, meditated, and sketched. Inspired by color field style and the techniques of abstract painter Morris Louis, Haro played with gravity, standing on a stool to pour ink down the canvas, and laid canvas on the floor to let the paint move in rivulets.

The thesis, titled “Taking Refuge,” includes five large abstract paintings done in paint on muslin and canvas. One is painted with black Sumi ink — the kind used for Zen calligraphy — and uses salt and soap to create textures.

“I spent so much time preparing for this final set of paintings and all of that work prepared me to let these paintings emerge in a natural way,” Haro said. “I learned how valuable it is to work on a project over an extended period of time.”

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A JCPS audit confirms the busing system is a disaster. But we already knew that.

If the road to hell is paved with good intentions, then Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Marty Pollio is certainly on that road—and he’s taking more than 95,000 students with him.

We all watched in August when the first day of school imploded on itself due to Pollio’s “transportation disaster.” Some young students didn’t get home until after bedtime and school was canceled for several days so the district could figure out short-term fixes to get public school families through the school year. 

At the board's request, JCPS also hired Prismatic Services to investigate what went wrong. The consultant company’s report was released ahead of Tuesday’s board meeting where they almost unnecessarily voted to remove busing for Magnet students. Prismatic’s founder Tatia Prieto, Ph.D. presented findings to the board and stressed moving one-or-two pieces at a time. “I question the need to make that drastic cut now,” she said, “we have some time.” Thankfully the board listened to her advice along with community speakers, including students, who urged the board to not do anything drastic when it came to busing magnet students. The Board tabled the vote so the information could be digested. Prieto advised JCPS to make incremental improvements.

Report on JCPS transportation plan unearthed chaos

The report unearthed a planning and implementation process filled with missing data, miscommunications, lack of due diligence, inadequate preparation and marked JCPS as a “corporate culture” that doesn’t value the feedback or expertise of the people who would be charged with seeing the plan through successfully.

According to this report, JCPS administration failed on the simplest of tasks, such as checking references prior to contracting AlphaRoute , the Boston-based firm, who designed the new busing system. Both Cincinnati and Columbus had already gone down this path with AlphaRoute. Neither of these nearby cities were happy with the product and both dropped the software as a result. Had JCPS done their due diligence and reached out to these school districts they could have made better choices.

Staggered JCPS start times: It made bus issues worse for the drivers – and my family

The report lays out 16 recommendations based on the information they received, noting that missing data prevented further guidance in certain circumstances. 

Three of the 16 recommendations centered on adjusting school start times . These changes had many of us scratching our heads when they were announced last year, but one of the reasons Pollio stated the changes were needed was because the district could not maintain the number of routes it was running with the number of bus drivers it employed. But Monday's report shows that the new bell schedule actually added unnecessary burden on busing. 

Also, in a Transportation Summary Report dated 2023 the second bullet point answers the question “Why change start and end times?” It reads: “Our current transportation system is the most complex across the nation which results in inefficiencies.” Prismatic's report fact-checked this claim against its own expertise having worked with more than 200 school districts . They wrote that JCPS “is indeed a complex system of interdependent processes. However, it is no more complex than Prismatic has encountered in many other school districts. Likewise, Prismatic did not find the JCPS system to be the ‘most complex in the nation’ or that its complexity ‘led to inefficiencies.’”

Teachers, bus drivers and school staff deserve better

Reading this report, I can’t help but think of the JCPS staff who are doing the work every day for our community’s students and how they must feel. Our amazing teachers are underpaid and working second jobs to get by while still showing up for our kids. Our bus drivers are charged with getting children to school safely without taking bathroom breaks  and without help addressing unruly behavior in route. But they still go above and beyond because they care about the children. Like driver Larry Farrish Jr. who recently made national news when he bought pajamas for a student who was upset that he couldn’t participate in Pajama Day.

Transportation disaster report: What are your thoughts? Submit your letter to the editor here.

JCPS has wonderful people working hard to do right by the kids in our community. Our school and transportation personnel deserve an infrastructure that supports the consequential task of educating the children of Louisville.

Our students deserve a school system that supports their hearts, minds and learning in a way that is embedded in the institution's very foundation.

The school board, committees and Superintendent Pollio must take these recommendations to heart and really do some soul searching as to how they’ve allowed the school system’s good work to be undermined by their poor processes and implementation.

This editorial was written by Bonnie Jean Feldkamp on behalf of The Courier Journal Editorial Board. Feldkamp is the Opinion Editor and can be reached at [email protected].