WRITER'S WORKSHOP MINI LESSONS

Authors and Illustrators

Lesson 5: You are an Author

Remind students that writers tell stories that are near and dear to their hearts.

Say, "You have stories that are near and dear to your hearts, and I've enjoyed listening to them."

Share that today we are all going to be authors, just like Helen Lester and we are going to write.

Share that today we are going to tell a story that is near and dear to our hearts by writing about it.

Model how to tell a story by illustrating it [first].

Think out loud as you illustrate.

When finished, share the story with the class.

Say, "This story is near and dear to my heart. I'm glad I was able to share it with you."

Say, "But - -I want to also write about my story. Not just illustrate it. I'm going to use words, too."

Say, "I will help you write the words. Soon you'll be writing your own words, but for today, I'll help."

Say, "I've already illustrated my story, now I'm going to tell "the teacher" what to write."

Pretend to be the teacher and student - - switching roles:

I pretend to put on student/teacher suits by swooping my hands from my head to my shoes.
This gives students the idea that you are role playing student/teacher

When role playing:

Remind the class that they can also write stories that are near and dear to their hearts.

Encourage students to think of a story, and to illustrate it and then ask for help for the writing part.

Dismiss for Writer's Workshop.