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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Write About It Wednesday {3-12-13}

Hello Everyone!

Write About It Wednesday Graphic

I am so excited to bring you another edition of “Write About It Wednesday” with Kate from Second Grade Sparkle!

We got such amazing feedback that this series was something you really enjoyed, and that made us oh-so-happy! Remember, you can link up with us as long as your post is related to today’s topic. There’s no such thing as too many writing tips & ideas {in my opinion AT LEAST}!

Our topic for today’s post is “Story Grabbers”

Or Leads. Or Great Beginnings. Or Attention-Getters. Or Hooks. Whatever you choose to call them. We’re talking about those lines your students use to hook a reader.

Today I am going to talk about an activity I do AFTER I introduce some of the Story Grabbers we use in our classroom.

Here is a list of the Story Grabbers I teach my kiddos. {I teach the first four towards the beginning of the year. Then when they I tire of them I introduce the more challenging set.}
Story Grabbers

After we talk about different Story Grabbers and write examples of each on chart paper, I hand out half-sheets of paper with sample prompts. We don’t actually write stories for these prompts. I just have the students write 2 different Story Grabbers for each one.

prompt 2

{I am SO SORRY this is such an awful picture!}

It’s great because they get practice writing different Story Grabbers. They can’t just write a question {which very quickly becomes their favorite Story Grabber…and which I very quickly retire from their options soon after }.

I also really like this activity because it helps students realize which Story Grabbers are appropriate for certain topics.  For example, a riddle isn’t an appropriate hook for a narrative about a time they were scared or sad.  A strong statement isn’t the best choice for a non-fiction writing about an animal.

I’ve put together a *FREEBIE* with “prompt cards” for you. I added on a “Suggestions for Use” page so you can use it the very best way for your class.  {I allow my students to work in pairs on this activity and let them choose any two Story Grabbers from the list}

Slide1

{Click the picture to grab the Freebie.  Thanks Ashley Hughes for the adorable frame!}

I hope you found this idea helpful! Link up with us and share how you teach Story Grabbers, or hooks, or leads, or…you get the idea!

If you link up be sure to…
*be a follower of both of our blogs.
*use the provided button {just save the image above and link it back here, or provide a link in the picture caption}.
*link to a post related to today’s topic.
*make sure you link to the specific post and not just your blog.

Thanks for playing along! Don’t forget to check out Kate’s post on the same topic!


~Halle

6 comments:

  1. My class is always happy to hear that they do not have to go through the whole writing process - that we are only working on one skill. Thanks for sharing the great resources and activity.

    Looking From Third to Fourth

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  2. Great minds do think alike! I love the options you have -- I never thought of using a riddle. What a great idea! :) Thanks for sharing your freebie!!

    Kate

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  3. This is such a good idea! Thank you for sharing!

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  4. I was looking forward to your second post in this series!! I need some serious help teaching writing and as a result, my kiddos needs some helping writing! I can't wait to read more of these! Thanks for the freebie and the great ideas!

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  5. This is an awesome freebie - well done and timely for me! Thank you!

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  6. Thanks for the freebie! I can even use this with my 8th graders!

    -Maria
    Everyone deServes to Learn

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