Day 3 - Engaging Your Readers #180blog

This is one of my favourite ways to start of the year in writing. I love gathering students ideas on what makes good writing, and all the different ways you can write. As you can see they thought of a lot (though interpreted through my short hand). We had great discussion and these kids really have a sense on what makes good writing. We looked at some example story starters. They especially liked Ender's Game, and I have to say, I can't blame them. I am deeply encouraged how much this group likes to share. If I let them say every response, we would be here for hours!

After the initial dialog, students began a story starter for a life story that caused a change in their lives. We used Adrienne Gear's invaluable Writing Power to begin strategies of reader engagement, especially with hooks. I am excited to hear about some of the formativel experiences that have brought these grade seven students here today!