by Bruce Cabell
Teacher/Author/Creator
Time To Prepare- Writing Tip #2
At this point, you want to begin formal writing lessons at home, so it’s important to spend time building a strong foundation for future writing. Your goal is to strengthen your children's independence so they're able to venture through the world of writing.
First, decide which genre to begin with: narrative, informative/explanatory, opinion piece, or poetry. Have your children choose to increase interest. Once you've decided, it's important to define your selected genre.
Narrative Writing- Based on real or imagined experiences.
Informative/Explanatory Writing- Designed to provide your audience with information or to clearly explain ideas.
Opinion Piece- Tries to convince your audience to accept your point of view or to take a specific action.
Poetry- Defined several ways so I won't nail down one definition. I recommend children to compose Free Verse. Here, they don't have to follow the strict rules of poetry.
Now, you've selected the genre to study. Fill your home with mentor texts as well as many literature titles for your children to discover, examine, and discuss. The following process is modeled and reviewed over a number of days.
Record the genre's definition for your children to see and read. Then, choose a mentor text and read through identifying all the main components. Do this a few times. Read below.
Fictional Narrative Components:
Characters (character's feelings and traits) - animals or people
Setting- time and place
Plot- the structure of a story/arrangement of events and actions
Conflict- character's problem
Resolution- character's problem resolved
Informative Components:
Introduction- thesis statement and 3 facts supporting the thesis
Body- 3 supporting details for each fact and a concluding sentence
Conclusion- thesis statement and facts summarized from your introduction and a closing sentence.
Opinion Piece Components:
Introduction- thesis statement and 3 arguments supporting the thesis
Body- 3 supporting details for each argument and a transition sentence introducing the next argument.
Conclusion- thesis statement and arguments summarized from your introduction and a closing sentence.
Poetry Components:
Rhythm
Rhyme (Not in all poetry)
Imagery
Figurative Language
At this point, begin to list the components below the definition. If possible, record examples under each component. Continue this process for 2 weeks or longer if you need. If you are studying narratives, you'll have a list of characters, character's feelings and traits, settings, character's problems, and resolutions. In addition, it's important to make a list of interesting leads, adjectives, action verbs, transition words, similes, adverbs and strong closings. These lists will help your children paint a mental image as they write. Add to these lists throughout your study, but make sure the word lists are based on your child's age and ability.
Note: Parts of speech can be difficult to learn. Don't feel you need a list for each. You have the GIFT of time! Below, is the order in which I taught the parts of speech to my third grade students.
1) Nouns- common and proper
2) Adjectives/Sensory Words
3) Action Verbs
4) Adverbs
5) Similes
After your modeling is complete, hand your children a book. Give them sufficient time to examine the components of the leveled text. Have your children begin to generate their own examples and word lists in their writing notebook. Please note that some of their lists may carry over into future genre studies so these lists are essential and beneficial to have.
Below, are a few examples of mentor texts you can use at home:
To Root, to Toot, to Parachute… What is a Verb?
by Brian P. Cleary
Use to teach verbs
Dearly, Nearly, Insincerely… What is an Adverb?
by Brian Cleary
Use to teach adverbs
Hairy, Scary, Ordinary… What is an Adjective?
by Brian Cleary
Use to teach adjectives
My Best Friend is as Sharp as a Pencil
by Hanoch Piven
Use to teach similes
Earrings!
by Judith Viorst
Use to teach Opinion Writing
Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late
by Mo Willems
Use to teach Opinion Writing
During your genre study, you can build a personal genre center in your home to promote creativity and independence. Also, you want a writing area that is warm and encouraging as well as a place where children can take risks. Last, you can add or change materials in your center based on the genre you are studying.
Genre Center Materials:
Anchor charts and pictures to spark writing ideas, leveled books as examples of strong writing, dictionary, thesaurus, writing notebooks, blank notecards, envelopes with paper for letter writing, graphic organizers, highlighters, pencils, colored pencils, chart paper, post-it notes, index cards, lined and unlined paper, bean bag or chair to mention a few.
After 2-3 weeks, you are well on your way in building a strong foundation for your genre study. You've been reviewing the definition, sharing many mentor texts, highlighting the components, giving your children opportunities to examine and discuss leveled texts, as well as listing examples and creating word lists.
Now, it's time to model the process of composing a great beginning. Let's focus on a fictional narrative this month. If and when you have examples and word lists, use them for support. First, the beginning is short and should “hook” your audience. Begin with an interesting lead such as an action, question, dialogue, thought, simile, or sound word. Then, introduce the characters and their traits, setting- time and place, character's problem, and character's feeling. Please model a few beginnings before your children attempt to write one.
Note: To support narrative beginnings, you should create a Story Lead-Character-Setting-Problem Organizer in advance of your modeling. The organizer should be divided into four columns. PLEASE REFER TO THE STORY LEAD-CHARACTER-SETTING-PROBLEM ORGANIZERS IN PDF FORMAT. USE THEM IF YOU WISH.
Lead Character-Setting Begging Orginizer
Story Lead-Character Setting Beginning Organzier
Starting from left to right, brainstorm:
Col. 1- a list of interesting leads
Col. 2- a list of characters with traits
Col. 3- a list of settings
Col. 4- a list of character's problems with feelings
To model this lesson, show the Story Lead-Character-Setting-Problem Organizer to your children to view. Next, read the examples in each column. Then, choose one from each column and connect them using a marker. Last, record each selected component on lined paper to compose your beginning. Once completed, hand out the same organizer to your children to use during independent writing. Have your children compose and read a few beginnings. Some may be silly. ☺ They'll enjoy using the organizer because they'll experience a high level of success.
Below, is a poem for you to use to teach narrative writing.
To conclude, during the years you spend with your children, you are increasing their ability to write and write well. At this time, it's critical for children to develop a positive attitude toward writing. To continue this positive attitude, make time to share and write together. Learning from each other will have HUGE benefits for all!
Throughout the 2014-2015 school year, I will be sharing a Writing Tip of the Month. Each tip may contain an activity, poem, or organizer for you to use. Additionally, it's important for you to read each tip of the month since one builds upon the other.
If you have any writing questions, please email me at success@justsimplywrite.com. Furthermore, I write poetry and post Writing Tips on my Facebook page. Please visit me at https://www.facebook.com/justsimplywrite to read and learn more.
Note: I hope you read Writing Tip #1, The 5M's. That was in the August Newsletter.
Bruce Cabell is a teacher, author, and creator. He was a classroom teacher for over 27 years. He taught kindergarten, first, and third grade in Connecticut. Bruce has mentored numerous young teachers as well as modeled many writing strategies and skills for classroom teachers. His passion for writing has resulted in his first unique creation, Writing Organizer Fold-Outs for grades 2-5. Visit Creative Teaching Press at www.creativeteaching.com to view these wonderful all-in-one resource writing tools.
In addition, Bruce enjoys writing poetry for teachers, parents, and children. He has written over 80 poems. Bruce sings too! Please visit Bruce's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/justsimplywrite to read and learn more.
Please note that Bruce is looking for 10 families to try and review his fold-outs. Please email him at success@justsimplywrite.com if you are interested.
Teacher/Author/Creator
Time To Prepare- Writing Tip #2
At this point, you want to begin formal writing lessons at home, so it’s important to spend time building a strong foundation for future writing. Your goal is to strengthen your children's independence so they're able to venture through the world of writing.
First, decide which genre to begin with: narrative, informative/explanatory, opinion piece, or poetry. Have your children choose to increase interest. Once you've decided, it's important to define your selected genre.
Narrative Writing- Based on real or imagined experiences.
Informative/Explanatory Writing- Designed to provide your audience with information or to clearly explain ideas.
Opinion Piece- Tries to convince your audience to accept your point of view or to take a specific action.
Poetry- Defined several ways so I won't nail down one definition. I recommend children to compose Free Verse. Here, they don't have to follow the strict rules of poetry.
Now, you've selected the genre to study. Fill your home with mentor texts as well as many literature titles for your children to discover, examine, and discuss. The following process is modeled and reviewed over a number of days.
Record the genre's definition for your children to see and read. Then, choose a mentor text and read through identifying all the main components. Do this a few times. Read below.
Fictional Narrative Components:
Characters (character's feelings and traits) - animals or people
Setting- time and place
Plot- the structure of a story/arrangement of events and actions
Conflict- character's problem
Resolution- character's problem resolved
Informative Components:
Introduction- thesis statement and 3 facts supporting the thesis
Body- 3 supporting details for each fact and a concluding sentence
Conclusion- thesis statement and facts summarized from your introduction and a closing sentence.
Opinion Piece Components:
Introduction- thesis statement and 3 arguments supporting the thesis
Body- 3 supporting details for each argument and a transition sentence introducing the next argument.
Conclusion- thesis statement and arguments summarized from your introduction and a closing sentence.
Poetry Components:
Rhythm
Rhyme (Not in all poetry)
Imagery
Figurative Language
At this point, begin to list the components below the definition. If possible, record examples under each component. Continue this process for 2 weeks or longer if you need. If you are studying narratives, you'll have a list of characters, character's feelings and traits, settings, character's problems, and resolutions. In addition, it's important to make a list of interesting leads, adjectives, action verbs, transition words, similes, adverbs and strong closings. These lists will help your children paint a mental image as they write. Add to these lists throughout your study, but make sure the word lists are based on your child's age and ability.
Note: Parts of speech can be difficult to learn. Don't feel you need a list for each. You have the GIFT of time! Below, is the order in which I taught the parts of speech to my third grade students.
1) Nouns- common and proper
2) Adjectives/Sensory Words
3) Action Verbs
4) Adverbs
5) Similes
After your modeling is complete, hand your children a book. Give them sufficient time to examine the components of the leveled text. Have your children begin to generate their own examples and word lists in their writing notebook. Please note that some of their lists may carry over into future genre studies so these lists are essential and beneficial to have.
Below, are a few examples of mentor texts you can use at home:
To Root, to Toot, to Parachute… What is a Verb?
by Brian P. Cleary
Use to teach verbs
Dearly, Nearly, Insincerely… What is an Adverb?
by Brian Cleary
Use to teach adverbs
Hairy, Scary, Ordinary… What is an Adjective?
by Brian Cleary
Use to teach adjectives
My Best Friend is as Sharp as a Pencil
by Hanoch Piven
Use to teach similes
Earrings!
by Judith Viorst
Use to teach Opinion Writing
Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late
by Mo Willems
Use to teach Opinion Writing
During your genre study, you can build a personal genre center in your home to promote creativity and independence. Also, you want a writing area that is warm and encouraging as well as a place where children can take risks. Last, you can add or change materials in your center based on the genre you are studying.
Genre Center Materials:
Anchor charts and pictures to spark writing ideas, leveled books as examples of strong writing, dictionary, thesaurus, writing notebooks, blank notecards, envelopes with paper for letter writing, graphic organizers, highlighters, pencils, colored pencils, chart paper, post-it notes, index cards, lined and unlined paper, bean bag or chair to mention a few.
After 2-3 weeks, you are well on your way in building a strong foundation for your genre study. You've been reviewing the definition, sharing many mentor texts, highlighting the components, giving your children opportunities to examine and discuss leveled texts, as well as listing examples and creating word lists.
Now, it's time to model the process of composing a great beginning. Let's focus on a fictional narrative this month. If and when you have examples and word lists, use them for support. First, the beginning is short and should “hook” your audience. Begin with an interesting lead such as an action, question, dialogue, thought, simile, or sound word. Then, introduce the characters and their traits, setting- time and place, character's problem, and character's feeling. Please model a few beginnings before your children attempt to write one.
Note: To support narrative beginnings, you should create a Story Lead-Character-Setting-Problem Organizer in advance of your modeling. The organizer should be divided into four columns. PLEASE REFER TO THE STORY LEAD-CHARACTER-SETTING-PROBLEM ORGANIZERS IN PDF FORMAT. USE THEM IF YOU WISH.
Lead Character-Setting Begging Orginizer
Story Lead-Character Setting Beginning Organzier
Starting from left to right, brainstorm:
Col. 1- a list of interesting leads
Col. 2- a list of characters with traits
Col. 3- a list of settings
Col. 4- a list of character's problems with feelings
To model this lesson, show the Story Lead-Character-Setting-Problem Organizer to your children to view. Next, read the examples in each column. Then, choose one from each column and connect them using a marker. Last, record each selected component on lined paper to compose your beginning. Once completed, hand out the same organizer to your children to use during independent writing. Have your children compose and read a few beginnings. Some may be silly. ☺ They'll enjoy using the organizer because they'll experience a high level of success.
Below, is a poem for you to use to teach narrative writing.
Narrative Writing
by Bruce Cabell
The following poem
Will show you how
To write a Narrative
Right here and now!
But before you begin
It’s up to you
Which narrative to choose
Since there are two!
Fictional and Personal
Are their special names
And having some differences
There's a need to explain!
A Fictional Narrative
When it is done
Is a story made-up
Using imagination!
And a Personal Narrative
Is certainly true
It's a real-life experience
That has happened to you!
Fictional characters
Have a problem… no doubt
And a personal narrative
May go without!
Now let me tell you
What makes them the same
So I'll list the similarities
And proceed to explain!
In the story's beginning
You'll start with a lead
Then introduce the characters
And their traits indeed!
Plus you'll add the setting
That's the time of year
And also the place
Whether far or near!
Next comes the middle
So make sure you begin
To write the events
Recording action within!
And to support the action
Include adverbs and verbs
Describe with adjectives
Or sensory words!
Plus at this time
You shouldn't wait
To include your details
To elaborate!
Make sure the details
Are written throughout
Because narrative writing
Can't do without!
Then record a simile
Before you're done
And try humor or suspense
To get your readers' attention!
Also the middle
Has to show
That transition words and phrases
Help your stories to flow!
Last but not least
The end has its turn
Where a problem is solved
Or a lesson is learned!
And to write a strong ending
You'll need to know how
To make your readers wonder
And to make them scream "WOW!"
So close with an idea
Dialogue or question
But again a personal narrative
Has to end with a lesson!
Your story's complete
It seems to appear
So reread your story
To make sure it is clear!
Now share with your parents
Or share with a friend
And read with expression
From beginning to end!
by Bruce Cabell
The following poem
Will show you how
To write a Narrative
Right here and now!
But before you begin
It’s up to you
Which narrative to choose
Since there are two!
Fictional and Personal
Are their special names
And having some differences
There's a need to explain!
A Fictional Narrative
When it is done
Is a story made-up
Using imagination!
And a Personal Narrative
Is certainly true
It's a real-life experience
That has happened to you!
Fictional characters
Have a problem… no doubt
And a personal narrative
May go without!
Now let me tell you
What makes them the same
So I'll list the similarities
And proceed to explain!
In the story's beginning
You'll start with a lead
Then introduce the characters
And their traits indeed!
Plus you'll add the setting
That's the time of year
And also the place
Whether far or near!
Next comes the middle
So make sure you begin
To write the events
Recording action within!
And to support the action
Include adverbs and verbs
Describe with adjectives
Or sensory words!
Plus at this time
You shouldn't wait
To include your details
To elaborate!
Make sure the details
Are written throughout
Because narrative writing
Can't do without!
Then record a simile
Before you're done
And try humor or suspense
To get your readers' attention!
Also the middle
Has to show
That transition words and phrases
Help your stories to flow!
Last but not least
The end has its turn
Where a problem is solved
Or a lesson is learned!
And to write a strong ending
You'll need to know how
To make your readers wonder
And to make them scream "WOW!"
So close with an idea
Dialogue or question
But again a personal narrative
Has to end with a lesson!
Your story's complete
It seems to appear
So reread your story
To make sure it is clear!
Now share with your parents
Or share with a friend
And read with expression
From beginning to end!
To conclude, during the years you spend with your children, you are increasing their ability to write and write well. At this time, it's critical for children to develop a positive attitude toward writing. To continue this positive attitude, make time to share and write together. Learning from each other will have HUGE benefits for all!
Throughout the 2014-2015 school year, I will be sharing a Writing Tip of the Month. Each tip may contain an activity, poem, or organizer for you to use. Additionally, it's important for you to read each tip of the month since one builds upon the other.
If you have any writing questions, please email me at success@justsimplywrite.com. Furthermore, I write poetry and post Writing Tips on my Facebook page. Please visit me at https://www.facebook.com/justsimplywrite to read and learn more.
Note: I hope you read Writing Tip #1, The 5M's. That was in the August Newsletter.
Bruce Cabell is a teacher, author, and creator. He was a classroom teacher for over 27 years. He taught kindergarten, first, and third grade in Connecticut. Bruce has mentored numerous young teachers as well as modeled many writing strategies and skills for classroom teachers. His passion for writing has resulted in his first unique creation, Writing Organizer Fold-Outs for grades 2-5. Visit Creative Teaching Press at www.creativeteaching.com to view these wonderful all-in-one resource writing tools.
In addition, Bruce enjoys writing poetry for teachers, parents, and children. He has written over 80 poems. Bruce sings too! Please visit Bruce's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/justsimplywrite to read and learn more.
Please note that Bruce is looking for 10 families to try and review his fold-outs. Please email him at success@justsimplywrite.com if you are interested.
