The Writer's Voice #2
Teachers, students, parents celebrating writing
What is it?
The "Writer's Voice" is a publication featuring 4th grade writing at Laura Welch Bush Elementary. Side by side writing prompts will be offered for parents to write with their child, and those will be the first featured. There will be a STAAR helpful hint as well to guide parents and students as they continue on the quest of developing effective writing.
Mrs. Wells' Writers (student)
Olivia's writing made me smile. She addresses the expository prompt well with a position statement, "Her dream home is an ice house." She uses the rest of the paper to support her idea with reasons. Transitions are apparent, and each reason is developed with details. She concludes with a repeat of her position.
How refreshing to live in an ice house with penguin pets!
Mrs. Wells' Writers (parent)
Olivia's dad, Paul, also made me smile. He states his position that his dream house would focus on family spending time together. Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence and is well supported with specific details. (457 Disney Princess dolls?!)
His ends with a powerful truism about family. Wonderful writing, Paul:)
Student Writing (no name)
I have space to feature 3 writing samples, so I plan on choosing a parent/student combination and one student. I selected this one because we looked a Truman Capote's lead in his book, A Christmas Memory. It is one of the most copied "mentor" leads of writers today. I love the way nine and ten year old students use his style of writing. This student writer uses Capote's lead as well as his vivid word choice and description. And, I think they did an amazing job of crafting a beautiful essay.
Side by Side Writing Prompt Ideas...Describe (explain) your dream house.
Take Ten Minutes with YOUR Child and Write---Two is better Than ONE!
Bits of Writing Wisdom...
Beginnings are important. They are like first impressions.
You can begin by posing a question: Why are flowers important? Or begin like Truman Capote, "Imagine..."
Follow up by stating where your feet are and what you are thinking. Create a descriptive picture.
Be careful to not get carried away, because you need to state the controlling idea, thesis statement, or the position of your essay.
STAAR Helpful Hints...
Look for the following key words to help you decide if the writing prompt is personal narrative or expository:
Think about a time when you had a special day. Tell about that time...PERSONAL NARRATIVE
Think about a special day. Explain what makes is special...EXPOSITORY