For the past several weeks in writers' workshop the children have been learning how to make their good writing even better. We have talked about extending our stories, inserting words in the middle of sentences using carats, and using talk bubbles so our characters can speak. All of these revising techniques add more detail to our stories and make them more interesting. Each student used a purple felt-tipped pen to add their revisions to their stories. Using the purple pens was very motivating and the children eagerly looked for ways to add to their stories.
We have talked about what we need to do to complete a whole three page story, including the illustrations and the writing, in one writing session. Everyone agrees that concentration is the most important skill needed; but, it is also important to limit erasing and to focus on the story you are writing about. Most of the class is able to write a new story each day.
This Friday will be our celebration for the end of the revision unit. Each child will select their best story to "pretty up." We have invited Mrs. Cameron's second grade class to come down to share our celebration with us and to hear our stories. We will begin at 12:30. Parents are also invited to join us. Please let me know if you plan to attend. The children are very proud of their great stories and are eager to share them.
