How to Make Crayons

How to Make Crayons video:  http://video.pbs.org/video/1415190951/

This is a great start to the how-to or procedure writing

More samples of how to writing

 

http://mallonmessages.blogspot.com/2010/12/procedural-writing-how-tos-in-first.html

How to use a mentor text or touchstone text

I wrote about using mentor texts here: 

http://writingeverydayworks.wordpress.com/2009/01/27/touchstone-text-or-mentor-text-activity/

Mentor Author: Patricia Polacco

Patricia Polacco is a great example of using an Author as a Mentor

http://www.middleweb.com/ReadWrkshp/JK65.html

Mentor Author: Mo Willems

Mo Willems as an author for an author study

http://imaginationsoup.net/2009/10/author-study-mo-willems/

Mentor Author: Ezra Jack Keats

Characteristics of Ezra Jack Keats as an author as mentor resource

-all caps 

-dialogue 

-specific word choice 

-dramatic tension 

-simile/metaphor 

-sound words 

-dash 

-problem solution story structure 

-transition words 

-multiple steps to solve a problem

Writing: Small Moments

The class wrote about the same experience:  http://debrennersmith.blogspot.com/2008/12/writing-about-class-experience.html

Writing Narrative / Small Moments Writing:  http://firstgradecce.wikispaces.com/Writing+-+Narrative

http://mallonmessages.blogspot.com/2008/09/writers-workshop-planning-details.html

http://timmonstimes.blogspot.com/2008/09/do-mini-lessons-make-difference.html

http://hkidshighlights.blogspot.com/2008/09/look-into-great-writing.html

I Love My Hair  http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=934

Small Moments Book: In My Momma’s Kitchen

  This is a heartwarming collection of small moments that all take place in a family’s kitchen:  a daughter receives a music scholarship, children make up stories, women chitchat and a father makes his signature dish.

Writing Videos

Here are some videos and teaching ideas about writing.

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749217

Unit of Study: Fiction Writing

This is a link to a great write up about one of Lucy’s units of study:  fiction.  I am always searching for references to Lucy’s units since many of the teachers I work with use the units as a resource. 

http://bestbookihavenotread.wordpress.com/2009/10/27/unit-of-study-fiction-writing-grades-3-5/