Writer's Workshop
February/ March
We are working on Historical Fiction stories. After we read the Historical Fiction, Bird in a Box, we decided to research our own historical era of interest. We are building fiction stories around what we have learned. We are writing in first person (from the character's point of view). We are looking forward to "tea staining" and burning the edges to age our stories. They will soon be hanging in the hall. Check it out!
We are publishing our very own HARD COVER books. These books will feature seven of our favorite writing pieces from this year. You may purchase additional copies for gifts and remembrance. An order form will be coming home soon.
October/ November ~
In Writer's Workshop we worked on developing Essays. We have learned about Persuasive Essay and are currently working on Literary Essay. The kids are learning to put a strong Thesis statement in the beginning with supporting details throughout.
Our basic format is as follows:
Essays - We have learned about different kinds of essays including; narrative, persuasive, and literary. We worked on a five paragraph essay format. Our basic outline for an essay is:
- Paragraph #1 Hook, thesis, evidence
- Paragraph #2 Specific details about the first piece of evidence
- Paragraph #3 Specific details about the second piece of evidence
- Paragraph #4 Specific details about the third peice of evidence
- Paragraph #5 Restate your claim, and connect to your life or the world
Also, with Halloween right around the corner, we will work on using our senses as we write scary stories (mysteries). The kids always have fun with these and we will read them aloud to the class during our "Lights out" story telling.
April/May
We just finished writing editorials as we celebrate Ebert's life. The students wrote editorials about our last read aloud, City of Ember. We are currently working on Historical Fiction stories. The students have an opportunity to research an era that they are most interested in to use as the backdrop for their fiction story.
March/ April
Informational Writing - We will be learning about RESEARCH and writing about topics which we find interesting from our own Cultural Origin. Students may research a person,We will include text features that we see in informational text such as table of contents, captions and pictures, bold words, headings, sub-headings, glossary, index.
January
Essays - We have learned about different kinds of essays including; narrative, persuasive, and literary. We worked on a five paragraph essay format. Our basic outline for an essay is:
- Paragraph #1 Hook, thesis, evidence
- Paragraph #2 Specific details about the first piece of evidence
- Paragraph #3 Specific details about the second piece of evidence
- Paragraph #4 Specific details about the third peice of evidence
- Paragraph #5 Restate your claim, and connect to your life or the world
November ~
We are finishing our narrative stories. I am impressed with how the kids were able to incorporate so many of the writing strategies! We are publishing at this time.