Writing Update

Posted on May 23, 2017 by lkuieck

Our second grade writers have been busy researching information about plants. We have gathered facts from observations, articles, books, interactive sites and videos. Today we took all of our research and sorted it into chapters. Students will work with partners to plan, write, edit and publish their chapter for our class research report.

Our focus will be on writing real facts including sizes, examples and descriptions as well as including text features to help inform our readers. Looking forward to sharing their work with you in the next couple of weeks.

Writing Update

Posted on February 2, 2017 by lkuieck

Our second grade writers are venturing into a new genre of writing…. Realistic Fiction, pretend characters who have REAL problems. We have brainstormed story ideas, thought of what kind of characters we would have, planned the story with a problem that gets worse before it is better, all while using “juicy” transition words and a storyteller’s voice. Their stories are amazing and we were able to share them around our virtual campfire!

This week we also also used our vocabulary word, summarize, to help us think about the important parts of our stories. Next week we will be looking at creative ways to hook in our readers and leave a lasting memory.

Writing Update

Posted on January 29, 2016 by lkuieck

Our second grade writers are venturing into a new genre of writing…. Realistic Fiction, pretend characters who have REAL problems. We have brainstormed story ideas, thought of what kind of characters we would have, planned the story with a problem, that gets worse before it is better, and looked to third grade writers for some advice. Way to go writers!

: What will your character be like?

: Katie offering some advice to Austin.

: Too cute!

Writing Update

Posted on November 4, 2015 by lkuieck

Our second grade writers are learning from other authors by noticing what they do in their books and then trying it in their own writing. Some of our mentor authors (teachers) have been Cynthia Rylant and Jonathan London.

We can also notice what our friends are adding in their stories and challenge ourselves to “TRY IT!”

Writing Update

Posted on September 28, 2015 by lkuieck

What a difference just a few weeks makes!!! Our second graders are learning to be purposeful writers who can problem solve and make mindful decisions. We are continually using the writing cycle: Think of an idea, Rehearse, Write/Draft, Finish/Draft, Reread and Revise, Get Ready To Start a New Story.

While revising our stories, the children were THRILLED to use red revision pens. These tools help us revise our stories using a checklist which challenges us to stretch our thinking. Today we looked at writing the heart of story through our emotions, feelings, lesson learned and our thoughts. Keep up the great work writers!

: I learned bowling is hard.

: Falling off the tube is FUN!

: I learned: to get stung hurts!

: I was happy to be at Florida.

: I learned that you (need) patience sometimes.

Writing Update

Posted on September 19, 2015 by lkuieck

This week we learned that we need to rehearse our stories MANY times before we actually begin writing the story.

This past week we practiced using a storyteller’s voice by including our thoughts, feelings, what the character’s were saying, BOLD words, and telling the story bit by bit as if we were playing a movie. Yesterday we had a virtual campfire that we sat by and told our stories as a storyteller might tell them. We were able to “roast” some marshmallows to share our success. Keep up the great work writers.

Writer’s Celebration

Posted on November 14, 2014 by lkuieck

Today we celebrated our writing with second grade friends from other classrooms. We were able to share all of the craft in our stories including catchy leads, show not tell, adjectives, adverbs, dialogue and strong endings. Cynthia Rylant was a great mentor for our writers and she definitely helped us grow! Of course, we had to end our celebration with a toast to one another and to all of our hard work! Next week, we will begin to investigate informational writing.

Writing Update

Posted on October 1, 2014 by lkuieck

As we enter into our second month of second grade, it is AMAZING to see the growth our writers have already made. They are using details, details, details in their writing as well as “catchy leads” and memorable endings. We discussed how readers want to hear ALL of the juicy details of the story.

Hooking our readers with a “catchy lead” creates a senses of urgency and excitement that all readers love. Now that we are second grade writers, we are going to move from ending our stories with “THE END” to being a creative storyteller and using our hopes and wishes to “wrap up ” our writing treasures.

LOVE THESE WRITERS!