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Dear Colleague,
It is with pleasure that I introduce the first Monday Mini-Lesson! Each week I will send one new writing lesson for you to share with your primary students. Lessons will include the use of mentor texts, modeled writing, interactive writing, anchor texts, and graphic organizers. In addition, I'll provide helpful writing tips.
Please feel free to forward the newsletter to colleagues. If this letter doesn't meet your needs, don't hesitate to unsubscribe below.
Happy writing!
Jennifer
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Our Snowperson
Identifying and adding quality details
On Hand: White board, marker, easel pad
Mini-Lesson: Draw the outline of a snowperson on your whiteboard (three circles without features). Invite students to come up one by one and add a detail. Hand off the marker until each child has had a turn. Initially you'll get predictable details: eyes, nose, top hat. But once those particulars have been added, more imaginative additions will be provided.
When every child has had a turn, go to your easel pad and, together, write a paragraph about your newly donned friend. Make sure you include all details.
Before wrapping up, ask: "Which details surprised you?" Remind students that it's the details that go beyond the expected that makes writing really come alive.
Extension or Alternative: Read A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle (1991). Remind students that Hermit Crab thought his house looked plain, so he added lots of sea creatures to give it color and interest. Then draw a box on your whiteboard - an unadorned house-and invite students to come up, one-by-one, and decorate it. Again, use the illustration to write a short piece that reflects their choices. |
for primary teachers
