Overview of the Unit:

This unit moves students to work on longer writing projects. Students invest time in rehearsal for writing, collecting quick drafts of possible stories in notebook entries, and later select one to take through the writing process. Students will develop stories that are driven by characters’ experiences and their responses to those experiences. Emphasis will be placed on volume of writing as third graders should be able to write a page-long entry in one sitting.

In Bend One of the unit, the focus is on providing a vision for the kinds of writing 3rd graders can do. Writers will examine examples of writer’s notebooks, set personal writing goals, and study storytelling moves through mentor texts. They will work on increasing volume and stamina for writing while adhering to clear expectations for the workshop time.

In Bend Two, writers learn to keep writing in a notebook rather than a folder. They learn to reread stories, select a seed idea, and develop it through repetitive storytelling. By drafting several leads, and exploring a variety of ways the story may go, writers eventually come out of notebook and begin drafting. Children are introduced to paragraphing to help them organize their thoughts. Writers learn ways to elaborate through adding actions, dialogue, thoughts and feelings. They also begin partner work as a way to share ideas.

In Bend Three, writers will finish one piece and begin another, transferring the knowledge gained thus far to a new story. Lessons will emphasize storytelling versus summary, remaining focused and adding details. Writers will also be introduced to punctuating dialogue.