Youth Writing Camp starts Sept. 15

Fall semester sessions of Writing Camp for students in grades 3-6 begin Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. Help us spread the word.  Registration form.  More information.

Craft in Kindergarten: An Example Mini-lesson

The Vimeo clip "Modeled Writing - Primary" does an excellent job highlighting the mini-lesson portion of Writing Workshop while illustrating the concepts of author study and craft as well. 

Jennifer Wisner, a teacher from Salem-Keizer Public Schools in Oregon, is using Eric Carle's books as the basis of an author study in her kindergarten class.  She and her students have read several of the author's works and are now creating a chart of the craft they have recognized in some of Carle's popular children's books, including The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  To end the mini-lesson and begin independent writing time, the teacher invites the young writers to try to use some of Carle's craft ideas in their own writing. 

When viewing this example mini-lesson on author study and craft, you can see it would be great for kindergarten or first grade students; additionally, the mini-lesson's overall structure, high level of student engagement, and use of mentor texts and author study are adaptable and appropriate for writers of any grade level.  Consider how mini-lessons and age-appropriate author studies can be used to explore craft and inspire the writers in your classroom.

Submitted by Shirley Thacker, TC '07

At Wes-Del Elementary, "Writing is..."

 
Here are beautifully reflective descriptions and analogies on what writing means to the campers, assistants, and facilitators of the summer 2012 Comp Camp at Wes-Del Elementary, which was led by TC Shirley Thacker ('07).  

"Writing is as fun as swimming." - Bray W. 

 

 "Writing is like a heart. . . both are beautiful." - Jaci K. 

"Writing is like the color to my artwork." - Brylee K.  

"Writing is. . . as fun as candy, but still being healthy." - Allen S. 

"Writing . . . like throwing a baseball. It's sometimes easy, 

and you always have a target." - AJ  N.
   

"Writing is wonderful . . . like sunshine." - Kylie A. 

  "Writing . . . like a fuzzy, furry rabbit. I like them both." - Alexandra R. 

 

"Writing is as fun as reading." - Chantel S.

 

"Writing is like being on an island resort. . . fun, fancy, and enjoyable." - Breanna C.

 "Writing is as fun as going on vacation." - Taylor B.

 

"Writing is like a quilt. . . it takes a long time to make." - Allie B.

 "Writing is like pizza. . . I love them both." - Gracie B.

 

"Writing is like making a hamburger. . . each step is like 

adding one of the toppings." - Jared D. 

"Writing feels as good as sinking a basketball in the hoop." - Joel D.

 "Writing is like being in a swimming pool. I love them both." - Lauren K.

 "Writing is like a seed . . . it sprouts and grows 

until it becomes something new." - Lauryn J.

"Writing is like dancing.  It's fun and I love doing it." - Mady J.

 "Writing is like opening presents at Christmas." - Natalie R.

"Writing is as fun as dance." - Paige T.

 "Writing is a precious gem beneath the earth.  You must search for it, dig it up, 

cut it, and polish it before it's complete." - Mr. Waylon Shaffer, student teacher

"Writing is a refuge when I'm weary. A quiet place to escape 

from all the outside noise." - Mrs. Monica Denney, 4th Grade Teacher

 "Writing is food for my soul, energy for my run-down battery." 

 - Mrs. Shirley Thacker, NBCT 

Submitted by Shirley Thacker, TC '07