Be sure to follow the correct format in your Writer's Notebook:
1. All pages must be numbered on the top outside corner.
2. All pages must be labeled with CW (Classwork) or HW (Homework).
3. All entries must be dated.
4. All entries must have a title.
5. All entries must be at least a full page.
6. All entries must be written on the left side of the notebook. Leave the right side of the notebook BLANK for future revision.
I am so proud of your published Personal Narrative Stories. You wrote wonderful step by step seed stories that used vivid show not tell language. We will now begin writing REALISTIC FICTION stories. The first part in the WRITING PROCESS is "collecting entries".
Objective: HOW TO FIND IDEAS FOR FICTION WRITING
1) Think about issues in my life that matter; family, friendship, recess, bullying, fitting in...Create a character that struggles with that issue.
For Example: I want to write a story about a kid who tries really hard to fit in, but the more he tries, the worse it gets. Maybe he will do something bad like he steals sneakers to fit in with everyone else. Then he gets caught by a secret camera. Now he is in trouble with the manager, with his mom, with his principal. Maybe he does something that everyone thinks is really cool and that makes people look at him differently. Maybe he took the sneakers to give them to a friend as a present; or he stole them because his parents couldn't afford them and he was going to run in a race for charity. Now, everyone will look at him differently.
2)ASK: What books do I wish existed in the world? Let this question lead you to invent a character with traits, struggles, and actions.
Look at the chart in your notebook. You should have at least 2 issues listed under each heading : School; Friends; Home; Other. Circle 2 of the issues and write an entry. What are character traits and struggles.
3) Use a graphic organizer that clearly states the following:
Somebody: The main characters in your story. In Those Shoes the main characters are Jeremy, Grandma, and Antonio.
Wanted: The issue Jeremy faced was fitting in. He wanted the black and white shoes that everyone in school seemed to own.
But: The problem in the story is that Grandma can't afford the new shoes; the thrift store doesn't have Jeremy's size; he buys them with his own money event though they are too small; Antonio's shoes are broken.
So: The solution is: Jeremy gives the shoes to Antonio; Jeremy is the first kid to have new black boots and is able to wear them out to recess and play in the snow.
Plan ideas for entries using the graphic organizer. Think about the character traits you want each of your main characters to have.
4) Writer's develop stories using Elelments of Text: Setting, Characters, Problem, Resolution
Remeber your issue should not be too big. Your idea should be zoomed in.
Write a more detailed entry/paragraph (not the story) using the story elements.
Remember, our focus is to have many entries/blurbs/paragraphs with story ideas. We will choose one of these entries to turn into the story that will be published.