Last week — July 24, 2016

I blogged about a very important topic helping children feel more confident in their writing. I titled my blog, “Writing That Makes Sense” and within this sharing I focused on children using their Five (5) Senses describing their words giving their writing more expressive thoughts — Link: http://cherryevasquez.tateauthor.com/?p=3948

 

This Week — July 31, 2016

I want to take these strategies further by teaching children how to format their writing into five (5) important paragraphs, but first I’d like to define what I mean by “creative writing.”

 

Creative Writing Defined

Creative Writing can be defined as original writing that expresses feelings, emotions, ideas, or thoughts with no set limits.

Students can feel free to use their imaginations telling their stories of current or past experiences.

 

Framing/Outlining Paragraphs

After teaching children to incorporate their five (5) senses bringing their stories alive, so their readers can imagine themselves in their stories, they also need to know how to frame their paragraphs.

At the time of this writing and during the era of state mandated testing, children are given one single sheet in which to write their stories. This one sheet has 25 lines, and students are told not to write outside the framed box in which the 25 lines are placed.

 

Writing Prompt

Give students their writing prompt (short snippet (stimulus) in which to express writing. Students must remember not to stray away from their prompt (central theme or idea they’re asked to focus on).

To keep students writing on track and remain on the focal point (prompt), ask students to write Five (5) paragraphs.

 

INTRODUCTION

Paragraph 1 –     Introduction

Main thematic idea – remember to focus on prompt

Within Introduction, ask students to point out three (3) supporting points within their Introductory paragraph relating back to their prompt

THE BODY

Paragraph 2        Point 1

Strong supporting argument/claim, add example(s) to help strengthen or reinforce your case

 

Paragraph 3        Point 2

Second significant supporting argument/claim, add example(s) to help strengthen or reinforce your case

 

Paragraph 4        Point 3

Less significant supporting argument/claim, but still important, so add example(s) to help strengthen or reinforce your case

 

CONCLUSION

Paragraph 5        Conclusion

Have students tie their conclusion back to my introductory paragraph (summarizing the 3 supporting paragraphs) without specifically duplicating the Introduction.

It is okay to use a bit of the original words from the Introduction, but it should be very clear the story is coming to an end.

 

Helpful Question to Help Students Write Conclusion

Is there a call to action? Is there something you want to change, or do differently?

 

In addition: For paragraphs 2-4, I sometimes ask students to begin these paragraphs using ordinal words to help guide their writing. This will keep them on track.

For example:

First, Second, Third

 

Or

Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly.

 

Or some may choose to do this:

First, Secondly, Thirdly,

 

Important Notes:

Be sure to help children review their writing paying attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling as they improve and grow in their expressive writing skills.