Students have been hard at work completing two writing pieces. First, they created their own teaching book to display their strong schema in certain areas. This book also lets them use their new learning about nonfiction writing. We have gone very slow with this piece because we have been learning all about the writing process and how to use response groups, and buddy editing. For a first attempt at a writing piece using the writing process, they are doing well.
Second, students are working with a writing partner to create their own version of a fairy tale. We have been reading many versions of fairy tales and practicing making text to text connections all month. Students have also learned about characteristics of the fairy tale genre. So their stories will include things like talking animals or objects, the number 3 or 7, a villain, a good guy, and even a simile.