Toolbox

Last week I featured one writing element that writers use “Crafting a Lead” to get the reader’s attention immediately.  And, just to refresh our cold memories, what is a writing element?  It’s one of the tools of the trade that accomplished writers use when crafting a certain piece of writing. My last week’s entry included a paragraph around “Crafting a Lead”; my paragraph started with the lead -  What’s a big deal in my life?    

So how do we teach these elements of writing to our students? 

 I like the use of metaphors – metaphors can help break down the vague talk around good writing. Plus, metaphors can help both a student and a teacher brain remember.  Besides, the vast majority of learners are helped with visual supports.  Writing teachers have used different metaphors – like “Ingredients” “Setting the Table”.  I’ve seen such metaphors with anchor charts in classrooms. Maybe it’s the man in me – I like the idea of a toolbox!  - a writer has tools in his arsenal that s/he can pull out and use when crafting/building a piece of writing.  

So, a writing corner could include a toolbox of sorts – and call it “Room 3S’s Writing Tool Box” - wouldn’t have to be an actual tool box – a bulletin board or a visual display of some sorts of tools with labels on them -  with pockets. Using a place holder idea like “Tools”  visuals like this not only teach students but would help us writing teachers during conferencing and mini lessons to be able to “show” the targeted element - for example, “Building a Lead”.

 I envision that each folder/pocket could contain various examples of the targeted element.  Eventually the folder/pocket could include paragraphs from mentor texts that speak to the targeted element and eventually examples from your student writing as well. 

So, for the next few entries, I will try my hand on this idea of using the metaphor of “Tools” to help uncover and explore a targeted element (tool) that authors use. 

Marty 



Tool # 1 – Building a Lead

·       It’s in my blood… (Marty Stachura)
·      “Wemberly worried about everything.”  ( Wemberly Worried by  Kevin Henkes)
·      "When the doorbell rings at three in the morning, it's never good news." (Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz)
·       "Where's Papa going with that axe?" said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast."   (Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White)
·       "The night Max wore his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind and another his mother called him 'WILD THING!' and Max said 'I'LL EAT YOU UP!'” (Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak)
·       “Life was going along okay when my mother and father dropped the news. Bam! Just like that.”
              (Superfudge by Judy Blume) 

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