Writing Workshop . . . Personal Narratives

Second graders have been very busy writing personal narratives during Writing Workshop each day.  To improve their writing, the children have been learning how to study the work of a Master Writer and how to apply that writer's "craft moves" to their work. We've been studying the work of Master Writer Jane Yolen in her beautiful picture book, Owl Moon, for the past several weeks.  We've read and reread this book several times -- as a read-aloud and as a word study text -- to search for craft moves we can use.  

Take a look at some of the charts we have created as we've studied Owl Moon: 

On this chart, we've recorded some of Jane's craft moves:  Using Sensory Details and Making Comparisons. 

We used this chart to record powerful words that we gathered from Owl Moon during Word Study this morning. Later in the day, we tried to add our own powerful words to our writing. 

On this chart, we made a list of ways that we can become Strong Writers. 

One piece of advice from Jane Yolen that we talk about frequently is the idea of exercising the "writing muscles" each day.  Check out this quote from Jane Yolen. And to learn more about Jane Yolen, click on the link below. Your second grader will enjoy checking out Jane Yolen's website with you! 

What advice do you have for young writers?
I have three pieces of advice for young writers. One: read, read, read! You must read every day, and try to read a wide range of books. Two: write, write, write! Keep a journal, write letters, anything to keep the “writing muscles” in shape. Three: don’t let anyone stop you from writing.Be persistent no matter what “naysayers” or critical editors have to say about your writing.
http://janeyolen.com/for-kids/