|
|
 |
|
A Tall Tale Activity
Greetings!
A tall tale is a narrative where the writer gets to stretch the truth without being called a liar! Many tall tales are based on stories that actually happened, but then the writer gets carried away and the fun begins. Exposing your students to some of the classic tall tales gives them valuable background knowledge, and allowing them to write a tall tale of their own provides a twist on narrative writing that they will enjoy. Cap this project off with a unique final product--shared with us by the 3rd grade teachers at Rock Ridge Elementary School in Douglas County, Colorado. Level 1: Begin to read Tall Tales to your students. Traditional characters like Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, or Davy Crockett still hold young children's interest today. After reading aloud, begin to discuss the details where the writer has "stretched the truth."  Maybe Paul Bunyan could chop down trees, but could he really "chop down 500 trees before breakfast"? He might have owned an ox, but would it have really been "Blue"? Level 2/3: After reading multiple examples of Tall Tales, discuss the story elements for each one. Can students identify the characters, setting, problem, solution? Are they able to give specific examples of exaggeration? Use the planning sheet on page 27 in the Imaginative Narrative Module to have students plan and write their own tall tale. Older students might write with the purpose of being able to share their tale in a classroom with a younger student buddy.
Have students publish their tall tale on adding machine tape so it is indeed a "tall tale." Attach arms legs, and a head. Be creative! This is a motivating project your students will enjoy.
Rock Ridge Student
Collections of tall tales are available in many public and school libraries, or at your local or online bookstore.
For more information about our Imaginative Narrative Module training, contact us at 303-221-5301.
|
|
| Instructional Posters Now Available! |
|
You asked for them.
So here they are!
Our instructional posters are now available for ordering. You'll be amazed at the difference these posters will make in your classroom as you implement the strategies from The Write Tools.
These reasonably priced posters are designed to be used as interactive teaching tools, as well as visual reminders for students when they write independently.
We have a primary set (Grades K-2) and an intermediate set (Grades 3-12). To learn more and view both sets, click here. |
| Free Webinars |
Join us on Tuesday, February 3rd or Thursday, February 5th for a free webinar about how to most effectively use our new instructional poster sets.
|
| Ben Carson Movie |
Remember Ben Carson? If you've taken The Write Tools Days 1 and 2 in the past several years, that is the selection we usually use for Free Response on Day 1.
So you won't want to miss TNT's movie starring Cuba Gooding Jr., "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story."
Tune in on February 7th, 8:00 PM Eastern Time/7:00 PM Central Time on TNT. |
| Writing Institute and Conferences |
February 5 and 6, 2009--St. Pete Beach, FL: Writing Institute hosted by The Leadership and Learning Center
Join Alice Greiner, author of The Write Tools, at this valuable institute. She will be teaching two sessions: "Writing Across the Curriculum" and "Personal Narrative Writing."
The Write Tools' trainers will also be presenting at the following conferences:
CCIRA, Denver, CO
SDCAz, Phoenix, AZ
NSDC Summer Conference, Boston, MA
| |
|
The Write Tools is here to help you get the most out of your writing instruction. Please call us at 303-221-5301 for more information on how we can customize a training for your school.
Sincerely,
The Write Tools, LLC
|
|
|
