What's a great way to get students excited about writing? Have a writing party, of course! After a trimester and more of direct writing instruction on the three main genres of opinion, expository, and narrative, with a little poetry thrown in for good luck, we felt it was time for the students to branch out on their own and begin to apply what they have learned on topics of their choice. Waiting this long to begin writer's workshop was new for us, and we kind of came upon it accidentally, however, we feel it is very serendipitous because the students are armed with skills and are not aimlessly writing and rambling on with no purpose. Hence, the kick-off to our writing party.
The kids were ecstatic when we gave them special writing notebooks and a goodie bag filled with writing supplies. Our first lesson was beginning to establish guidelines for Writer's Workshop. We charted our purpose for why we do Writer's Workshop and then listed what it should look like and sound like when we are writing.
We also read Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills. We noticed how it was difficult for Rocket to come up with an idea to write about, and we discussed ways that authors get their ideas. We then took time to brainstorm our Top Ten Most Memorable Moments to begin our own ideas list. The kids were given fifteen minutes to write about one of their memorable moments. They loved it and didn't want to stop. We may have created a monster, because all that the kids want to do now is Writing Workshop.
But, we had another special surprise for them. On the internet we found a cute pencil snack made of string cheese, Bugels, bubblegum, and frosting. You can find the directions for making this here.
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On Monday, the kids are going to decorate their special notebook. Below is the letter we sent home asking parents to send supplies for this.
Everyone is anxiously awaiting Monday for this event! Have a great weekend!
Kim and Anne
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