Brandi J. Clark

(Image by Cohdra)

Before I forget…I have to add a post about a recent classroom visit. I had the opportunity to visit a class of wonderfully excited grade ones…but aren’t they always exited?

The topic was to make our own Pigeon books. The teacher and I hummed and hawed.

Would the kids write their own Don’t Let the Pigeon…story?

Would we do one together as a class?

I don’t know what I was thinking…you know how I love choice in topic…

Well…we started writing…the kids were excited…the MANDATORY topic:
Don’t Let the Pigeon have a Sleepover….

We brainstormed….
We laughed…
We drew pigeons…
We accessorized pigeons….
We handed out the blank little books…
We conferenced…
We…..HEARD TEARS!!!! (Rhymes with jeers!)

My head nearly swivelled off my neck.

I thought the student was frustrated spelling….NOPE!

“What’s wrong?” I asked.
He said,” I want to write about….Don’t Let the Pigeon Scuba Dive.”
I paused…”then write it!”

A smile…the tears evaporated….and another little writer was on the way…

Moral of the story….
Write what you care about and LET THEM do the same!

Until Next Time,
Litmaven Out!

Digital storytelling is all the rage! Many teacher resources are geared towards the middle years.

Thankfully I stumbled upon this book….

Make Me a Story by Lisa C. Miller

The 5 reasons I like it…

1. It places a heavy emphasis on the writing process…before the students even touch the technology.

2. Suggests online references…such as Digitales.

3. It is a quick read.

4. A rubric is provided.

5. It comes with a DVD full of age appropriate examples!

If you know any teachers that want a handy, readible and tech friendly resource…this is the one.

Until Next Time,
Lit Maven Out!