March 15
Writing in the Primary Grades
1. When the children have discussed a sound, have chosen
words in a large-format text, and have worked with the teacher to make a list
of words containing the sound, the children can choose words from the list to
use in a stroy or poem. This story or poem should be related to the story they
have just read.
2. Students can take a repetitive phrase from a book being read and make a book
of their own with pictures and captions. If Dinosaurs Were Alive Today would
be good for this type of writing.
3. Following a reading of a book, students could create a book describing the
steps that happen in the book. The Very Hungry Caterpillar could make
this writing relate to a science lesson.
4. Students can write a story from the view point of another character in the
book, or they could rewrite the story in play format. The Funny Little Woman
would be good for this type of writing. For
a longer story, students could be divided into teams, each rewriting any scene
in the story from a different point of view. These could be presented to the
other studetns in play format. Bunnicula,
A Rabbit Tale Mystery would be good for this type of writing.
5. Students might pretend that they are news reporters assigned to write a story
about the events in the story. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble woudl be
good for this type of writing.
6. Research might be done about places in the story. Blueberries for Sal
could be used and a report about the various types of berries found in New England
could be written.
7. Students could interview members of their family, relatives, or neighbors,
asking questions related to the story being read. Students would create interview
questions, write the reponses to them, and prepare a written report for their
classmates. Molly's
Pilgrim would be good for this type of writing.
8. Students might write riddles related to the book. My Mother Sends Her
Wisdom is a good book for this type of writing.
9. Students could be asked to write about their special talents and describe
how someone brought out those talents. Crow Boy would a good book for
this type of writing.
For an example of Interactive writing,
visit: http://wps.ablongman.com/ab_mylabschool_demo_1_UB/0,9736,1641430-,00.html
This shows a kindergarten class doing this.
Reference
Yesner, B. L. & Murray, M. M.
(1993) Developing Literature-Based Reading Programs: A How-To-Do-It Manual
for School and Public Libraries. Neal-Schuman Publishers: New York.
This site began in March 1998 by Janet Luch.
Email comments and questions to studyplans@yahoo.com