Third grade writers have been strengthening their writing skills and demonstrating their creativity composing personal narratives during writing workshop. Each week we read a mentor text, discuss the topic and ways the author brought it to life for readers such as using descriptive language, and then write our own personal narrative about the same topic. Our personal writing unit started by first learning what this genre is using visuals such as this anchor chart... Students learned the main idea is the "watermelon" and the supporting details are the "seeds". We demonstrated our understanding of this by classifying statements as either a "watermelon" or "seed" idea on a graphic organizer... One of our personal narrative topics was "A Special Place". First, we read Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. Students gave examples of descriptions she used to bring her special place to live for her readers. One of her strategies we identified was using similies to compare things. Next, we created a bubble map of special places and students chose one to write about... After our rough drafts were completed we participated in peer editing to revise and edit our work. Finally, we composed our final drafts and shared them with classmates... Other personal narratives we've written and will be writing are "A Special Talent", "An Exciting Live Moment", " A Family Celebration", and "Food and Family". Students will create a personal narratives book containing their stories at the completion of the unit. Happy learning!
