"I loved how students were provided with “writing seed” pictures and fiction texts about weather to spark their creativity. Having students collaborate during the writing process kept them engaged, all while practicing their organization, mechanics, grammar, and usage. Students used a rubric, with specific criteria for 2nd & 5th, to self-assess throughout the process. Normally, students rush to complete their work, but this activity's step by step process encouraged students to take their time and it built their perseverance. Publishing is such an important part of the writing process that we don’t always spend much time on, so I’m glad these students got to publish their stories in Book Creator, as well as create/illustrate the pictures. What a fun way to celebrate all their hard work with a publishing party! "