Small Moments in Writer's Workshop

Our current unit of study is on Narrative Writing. For the past week, we've learned how to collect our memories - the stories of our lives. We've learned that good writers zoom in on the most important part of the story and tell it step-by-step-by-step. Good writers don't choose "watermelon" ideas, but choose "seed" ideas instead (ask your child about it). Good writers slow down the moment in their mind, and include all the small, exact details that make the story come alive for their reader. Below are two pieces written by our students during the week. Dolan and Wilson did a wonderful job utilizing the strategies we learned in class.

OK, I Lied by Wilson

One night when Miller had a sleepover at my house, we ordered a pizza. My mother was doing the laundry. My father called, "Jac, Wilson, and Milller - get in here and eat." When we came in, we all sat down. I said the blessing. Miller said, "Let's eat!" "OK," I said. Jac said, "Wait." Jac's my little brother. "Maybe we need to let it cool down." Miller said, "It's not hot." I said, "Maybe you should listen to Jac, Miller." He lifted the pizza box. I saw smoke come off it. Miller picked a piece up and took a bite. He swiftly threw it back down in the pizza box. He said, "OK, I lied!" We laughed for a long time. We still talk about that.

What a great small moment story! Click on the Comments link below this post to share your thinking with Wilson.

My Home Run by Dolan

I step up to the plate. I tap on it three times. I hold the bat up. I squeeze the bat tight. I say to myself, "This is it. End of the game. Sixth inning. We are losing by one. There are two outs." "Come on, Dolan! Home run!" screams my coach. The pitcher winds up. The ball comes slowly out of his hand . "Whoosh" goes the ball. Then suddenly - dinnnng! The ball echoes through the air. "Run, Dolan, run!" I run as fast as I can to first...to second...to third...to home!! I had done it! A home run! The A's win!!

Let Dolan know what you think about his small moment piece. Click on the "Comments" link below this post to share your thinking.