It's a great way to give students a specific writing assignment which ends up in the newspaper. The only drawback is that you must complete it before students leave for vacation. Here's what you need to do. Study the classified ads. Notice that they are short, to the point and often use catchy ideas or phrases to attract attention.
Classified customers pay by the line, so it's cheaper to be brief.
Now, have your students think of a New Year's resolution they'd like to make for 2001. Have them write it briefly in classified style. Students may direct resolution messages to family members, friends, teachers, the world, etc. All ads received by deadline will be published during the first weeks of January. Please make sure the student's full name, grade and school appear on each resolution that's submitted separately and that writing is legible.