{photos by Michelle Dorman}
Over the last several weeks our Intermediate classes on both tracks have been engaged in a group writing process for the IEW unit on “Summarizing Narrative Stories.” As a class they read a simple version of a story, then collectively filled out a Story Sequence Chart (an outline of the story), then worked together to write a final 3-paragraph version of the story in their own words, adding in tons of great dress-ups and literary devices along the way. They completed this process three times, resulting in three different stories, and you might say that every Intermediate student is now an expert story-writer!
The enthusiasm shown by the kids, they way they worked together and added to each other’s ideas, and the fantastic stories they wrote all testify that this process of group story-writing was a huge success which certainly produced many magical moments in class. Teacher Allison Paquette remarked to her parents, “I am continually impressed with what these creative young brains come up with and build cooperatively!”
Today we share a few photos that were taken on Track A, as well as that class’s Paul Bunyan story from their third round of this process. The other classes and track produced equally wonderful writing, and if you know an Intermediate student in one of those classes, ask to see one of their stories – you will enjoy the fun and vivid tales these 3rd and 4th graders created!
Here is Ms. Paquette’s Track A Story Sequence chart and final story, as well as more photos taken during the process:
Paul’s New Friend
There was once a man named Paul Bunyan, who was taller than the tallest tree and stronger than a herd of bison. He dwelled peacefully amidst the redwood forests of California. One winter it was so numbingly frigid that the whole state was covered with a blanket of blue snow. Even the geese flew backwards, the fish swam south, and the deer climbed trees because of it.
During this frost-bitten winter while Paul was stamping through the woods, he suddenly heard a creature’s cry. Using his keen eyesight, Paul scanned the forest floor and at his immense feet he spied a baby ox who was so cold that he was an icy blue. Since Paul was strong, stronger than all, he picked up that ox and hauled it to the sizzling and dancing fire that was glowing brilliantly. As the ox grew warm, it fluffed up like a young chick but remained blue. Paul was very confused.
After many minutes of thoughtful thinking, Paul labeled his new companion Babe. The two joyfully spend the rest of their lives together, exploring the wonders of the California redwoods. Paul and Babe were the best of friends, sticking together like Q and U. As the years speedily flew by like a bird in the sky, Babe grew and grew until he was just as mammothly tall as Paul.
Allison, thank you for sharing this experience with us! And teachers, Down Home loves to hear about and share what’s happening in your classroom – please feel free to email Down Home anytime to tell us about the great things going on in your class!
