As teachers, we know that essays are an important way for students to demonstrate their understanding of a topic and build literacy skills. However, essays can also be overwhelming and time-consuming for both students and teachers. Fortunately, there are many alternatives for students to show what they know that are both engaging and effective. Today, I’m sharing a few ELA projects that can be alternatives to essays that will give students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of creative ways.
Essay Alternative #1. Make a PSA
One creative alternative to an essay is to have students create a PSA (public service announcement). Students can work in pairs or small groups to create a video or audio recording that is designed to convince people to do something differently. This is a great way to review or practice argumentation skills. For an added element of authenticity, have all the PSAs shared with another class or grade level for a vote on the best one. (Bragging Rights is a valid prize.)
Essay Alternative #2. Make a Mini-Book
Another fun and creative way for students to show what they know is to make a mini-book. Students can fold an 11×17 piece of construction paper to create a simple book, and then write and illustrate their knowledge on each page. This works particularly well when students create the pages first, and then glue them into the book. Provide a clear rubric to guide their work and make the expectations clear.
Essay Alternative #3. Create a Video Essay
For a more multimedia approach, have students use Adobe Spark or another video editing tool to create a video essay. Students can write an introduction and then record a short video for each body paragraph, combining them all on an Adobe Spark site or other platform. This approach is perfect for triads where each student creates one video.
Essay Alternative #4. Design a Comic Strip
Another engaging alternative to an essay is to have students create a comic strip. Comic strips can be used to summarize a book or illustrate key concepts from a unit. Encourage students to use color and imagery to bring their ideas to life. Provide a rubric to help students understand the expectations for the comic strip.
Essay Alternative #5. Group Essays
For students who enjoy working collaboratively, group essays can be a great alternative to traditional essays. Students can work in pairs or small groups to write an essay, dividing the research and writing tasks among the group. Encourage students to work together to create a cohesive piece, and provide a clear rubric to guide their work.
Essay Alternative #6. Found Objects Presentation
Finally, students can use random scraps and items from the art supply cabinet to create sculptures that represent key items from their book or topic. All sculptures have to fit in one paper lunch bag, and then students present what’s in their bags to the class. This is a creative way to demonstrate knowledge of a topic while using art to create something unique.
Essay Alternative #7. Design an Infographic
For students who enjoy visual design, creating an infographic is a great way to demonstrate their understanding of a topic. Infographics are visual representations of data or information that use design elements to communicate complex ideas. Encourage students to use color, graphics, and typography to make their infographic visually appealing and easy to read.
Essay Alternative #8 Create a One Pager
My students LOVE making colorful one pagers to show their learning as an alternative to an essay and this ELA project makes a GREAT bulletin board too. Students break their information down into sections, that are similar to the parts of an essay, but because it’s more visual they see it as a more artistic and approachable option.
Give Yourself a Break and Try Something New
Not only do these alternatives to essays engage students and offer them creative ways to demonstrate their knowledge, but they can also make your job as a teacher easier. By using a clear rubric and providing scaffolds to support student learning, you can spend less time grading essays and more time enjoying the creative work your students produce. Give yourself and your students a break from traditional essays
