Show...Don't Simply Tell

Showing your reader instead of simply telling your reader can make all the difference in a written piece.  When authors "show", they paint a picture in the reader's mind that is so vivid the reader can imagine themselves in the story.  The traits of idea development, word choice, and voice are carefully woven together to create this image.  As you read over the next few weeks, try to find good examples of showing (either a published author you're reading, or from your own writing).  Add these to this blog post.  Be sure to include the author and text title.  In the meantime, here is a short video that illustrates how important word choice is...enjoy!

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Crafting Leads - Block 3

We learned about several ways authors craft inviting leads to narrative pieces and we have been trying different leads for our own pieces. Feel free to share your leads on this post to get feedback from your classmates. If your are writing at home, here are some of the strategies we discussed in class:

Begin by describing a setting or character (snapshot)
Begin by sharing thoughts or feelings (thoughtshot)
Start with sound effects (onomatopoeia)
Start with dialogue
Begin with a question
Start by showing action

I'm looking forward to reading your leads!

Crafting Leads - Block 2

We learned about several ways authors craft inviting leads to narrative pieces and we have been trying different leads for our own pieces. Feel free to share your leads on this post to get feedback from your classmates. If your are writing at home, here are some of the strategies we discussed in class:

Begin by describing a setting or character (snapshot)
Begin by sharing thoughts or feelings (thoughtshot)
Start with sound effects (onomatopoeia)
Start with dialogue
Begin with a question
Start by showing action

I'm looking forward to reading your leads!

Crafting Leads - Block 1

We learned about several ways authors craft inviting leads to narrative pieces and we have been trying different leads for our own pieces.  Feel free to share your leads on this post to get feedback from your classmates.  If your are writing at home, here are some of the strategies we discussed in class:

Begin by describing a setting or character (snapshot)
Begin by sharing thoughts or feelings (thoughtshot)
Start with sound effects (onomatopoeia)
Start with dialogue
Begin with a question 
Start by showing action

I'm looking forward to reading your leads!

Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day, a day we honor men and women who have served in the armed forces.  We give thanks for the sacrifices they have made to keep our country safe and protect our freedom. 

What message do you have for our men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard?

Vocabulary Words, November 7 - 11th

Vocabulary words for the week of November 7th:  Try using these words in well-written sentences.
Don't forget to proof your work before sending...have fun and be creative!  Can you in clude some complex sentences?

reluctant: adjective
1.unwilling

confront: verb
1. to meet or face boldly
array: noun
1. a large or impressive group or display
2.  beautiful or splendid clothing
promotion: noun
1. a move upward in position or grade

Writers Helping Writers

Many of you have asked for a place to share your writing and get feedback from your classmates.  I added a page for each block to our blog.  feel free to post your writing.  Know that our posted writing will include drafts - which are works-in-progress - not finished pieces.  Offer stars and wishes so we can help each other grow as writers.  I look forward to reading your work and seeing how you are encouraging each other. 

Mrs. H

Writing Challenge:

You are a pop can.  You have been popped, drained, smashed, bashed, and trashed.   Tell your story to the local newspaper.  Use vivid verbs to tell the tail of your miserable life.  Have fun, be creative, and for goodness sake, proof your writing for mistakes before sending!  I can't wait to hear your tales and enjoy your verbs!
Adapted from Hot Fudge Monday