Writer's Workshop

Throughout Hannah's 2nd grade school year, she kept two writing journals, one was her composition book, the other her writing journal.

The writing journal was a way for Miss Barrett to get to know her students, their interests, what was on their minds, etc. They would write what they wanted and every couple of days or so, she would write in their journal, asking a question or two about what they wrote and then they would answer it. It was a way of developing conversational writing.

The composition notebook was a way of practicing a more formal way of writing, as formal as it can get in 2nd grade. It was a way for the kids to develop a "story sense". While they were still able choose the subject they wanted, their story had to have a good lead into their story that caught the readers eye and made them want to continue reading. A few times during the year, a piece from the composition book would be edited, re-written and put into a more finished, or polished form.

Hannah loves to write, and I think both of these opportunities definitely allowed her to use her imagination and creativity. The difference between her beginning of the school year writing and the end of the school year writing is greatly improved.

I'd like to begin sharing some of Hannah's writing here on her blog. Some times I will share just her writing, other times I'll include the picture. At any rate, I intend to share exactly how Hannah wrote it, spelling errors and all, because after all, that's something that adds character to her writing, at this stage of the game. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed reading them!