Designed to encourage self-expression in motivated students--all those who enjoy the adventure and challenge of learning--as well as in gifted and talented children in the upper elementary and junior high school grades, the 16 student writing projects described in this book lend themselves to a variety of applications, such as basic skill activities, full-class units or courses, small-group projects, independent study, and curriculum development. Every project is divided into three sections: teacher preview, lesson plan and notes, and instructional materials. The first five projects in the book (Imaginary Words, The Parts of Speech, Writing Reports, Writing Essays, and Writing Letters) emphasize such basic writing skills as grammar, sentences, paragraphs, and parts of speech. The final eight projects in the book (Creative Writing, Story Writing, Roots, Classroom Productions, Book Reports, Class Newspaper, Research/Report Projects, and Year in Review) place primary emphasis on students independently gathering information and putting facts, opinions, and commentaries into written form. The book also includes numerous reproducible student handouts and checklists, and an independent learning skills chart. (RS)