See literacy in action with Literacy at Work. This HMH original web series features professional writers, creators, and educators who offer valuable lessons about their chosen field. With their real-world insights, students learn about poetry, journalism, screenwriting, and more. Each episode is paired with a free teaching guide and student worksheet for whole-class or individual instruction.
Featured Episodes
Watch these free episodes and use the paired resources to foster creativity and critical thinking and build your students' writing skills.
The Writers Room | Grades 6–12
Learn how to create a pitch for a television episode with special guest Duane Capizzi, a writer and showrunner for the Netflix series Carmen Sandiego.
Featured Guest: Duane Capizzi
Watch the trailer and get the free accompanying resources.
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How to Write a Rap | Grades 6–12
Learn how rap connects to literacy and fosters confidence in this lesson with educator and author Dr. Chris Emdin. Students use literary language and personal stories to create a rap persona and perform lyrical verses.
Featured Guest: Dr. Chris Emdin
Watch the trailer and get the free accompanying resources.
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Writing a Personality Feature | Grades 6–12
Renowned educator and journalist Esther Wojcicki shares a tried-and-true lesson to get students engaging in journalism. In this nine-minute episode, students brainstorm questions, conduct interviews, and plan personality features. The paired resources provide instructions and tips for writing an effective article.
Featured Guest: Esther Wojcicki
Watch the trailer and get the free accompanying resources.
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How to Write a Poem | Grades 6–8
Join teaching poet Glenis Redmond in this six-minute episode to learn helpful tips for writing a self-portrait poem. Students use poetic elements, like alliteration and anaphora, to share their personal stories.
Featured Guest: Glenis Redmond
Watch the trailer and get the free accompanying resources.
