Writing Workshop: Unit 2-Nonfiction Chapter Books...Bend 1

I Can Tell Information Across My Fingers, Sketch, and Write

Take a quick look at the mini lessons we are using to help us write "all about" books. There are three "bends" in the road. The writer of these writing units uses bends to describe when the unit switches focus. This is the first "bend".

I Can Tell Information Across My Fingers, Sketch, and Write
Children learn that writers plan what they are going to say before they write. They do this by telling information across their fingers, sketching and writing.

I Can Keep Readers in Mind, Writing to Answer Their Questions
Students learn that writers try to picture who their readers will be. Then, to reach their readers, they imagine and answer the questions their readers have.

  I Can Teach With Pictures as Well as Words Students learn that writers teach with pictures and words. They include illustrations in their teaching books to help teach their reader even more.

I Can be Brave Enough to Spell Domain Specific Words (Spelling Fancy Words)  Writers bravely spell the chllenging, expert words that help teach about their topic.

I Can Use a Reader to Help Me Add and Subtract  Students learn that writers need readers to help them revise. Readers help writers know where to add more details and where to subtract details.

I Can Take Stock...Self-Assess and Set Goals  Writers assess how well they are doing and set goals to become even better writers.

I Can Edit (Spelling, Capitals, and Punctuation)  Writers reread their writing closely, making sure they have included correct spelling, capitals, and punctuation.

The nonfiction texts on our shelves help us to study what nonfiction writers do.