Today we began talking about how to add details to our writing. We are starting with sensory detail, something with which they are familiar. This video was a great tool to get a conversation going. It suggested writing in your notebook about what you were noticing in the video clips. We did shared writing instead and ended up noticing that our phrases looked like a poem. Then began the challenge to write a poem about each sense. EXCITEMENT was brewing! We had such a great time. The kids sat for forty minutes as we watched a minute of video, talked and then wrote a poem together. "FORTY MINUTES" you say? Yes, it normally would be way too long, but we were on a roll.
I love my class. Their stamina for learning is fantastic. What a fun lesson and a fun time together.
Students then went to their writing from yesterday to see if they could add sensory details to make their writing more interesting. Many of them did just that! I use the word amazed a lot as a teacher but I find myself in this position often. I am AMAZED to see them take on learning and utilize it so quickly. I can't wait for tomorrow when we chart what we learned and share our details peer to peer. FUN!
Chalk-A-Bration is coming up soon, September 30th.
I hope you will join in and share your chalk poetry.
Click here for more information.
I love, love, love that you saw your kids enjoying and getting excited by the lesson and you let it roll. I would love to be a fly on the wall during writer's workshop to see this group transitioning from kinder writers to first grade writers.
ReplyDeleteI'm ashamed to admit I haven't started writing with my Pre-K class yet. This year's class is so young we're just doing oral stories and practicing drawing. I'm getting the itch to get started. Day 14!
ReplyDeleteI love reading about your class and the way they take on learning. Will you share their poem?
ReplyDeleteYou are off to such great fun with this class! Love that you are teaching them to consider sensory details...know this adds so much to their writing. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Betsy,
ReplyDeleteI'm passing on this video. Excellent!
Bonnie
Something so good that I can share with my teachers, too, Betsy. I can't do the Chalk-a-bration this time because I'm out of town, but will think of you! This is such a happy post to read!
ReplyDeleteKids commonly comment about details, but I am pretty sure they are only parroting. I love the way you're teaching details. Thanks for the peek into your workshop.
ReplyDelete