Erin M. and Bella B. are surrounded by our version (and homage to) the "Little Miss and Mr. Men" books. Everyone helped, including many parent volunteers and my wife Meredith. The books were a great introduction to our Writers Workshop unit on fiction.
Photos below show some of the many steps involved. The process included: brainstorming and list making for ideas; identifying one main and one or two secondary characters; deciding on the setting, a conflict and solution; planning a beginning, middle and end to the story. All the while keeping in mind that each book was to help teach a life lesson.
After handwriting several drafts, conferencing with writing partners and me, students word processed, illustrated and assembled their books.
We're been asked to read our books to several classes. And we might even attempt a Spanish edition.
Everyone was eager to create a second book which is to be completed at home using the same process. These books will be unveiled next Wednesday.
Finally this whole experience introduces are next project which is to write a piece of realistic fiction. More about that in the weeks to come.
