1. Unlocking the Author in You. Creative Writing By Teresa Howard Robinson Elementary School Tdhoward@bhamcityschools.org IntroductionTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher

2. INTRODUCTION Authors Needed! The Robinson Press, a well-known publishing company is looking for new stories. Because of your talent, you and your classmates have been chosen to submit original works of fiction. If selected: 1.Your story will be published online and at the school. 2.You will attend a luncheon in your honor where you will receive an award for your work. 3.You may be invited to attend the Young Author’s Conference IntroductionTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusionTeacher

3. TASK You must complete many tasks to help you reach your goal of earning one of the coveted “Robinson Elementary School Literary Awards”. These tasks include: 1. Reading and appreciating a novel. 2. Looking at what inspires a writer 3. Understanding the writing process 4. Forming and working with a critique group. 5. Writing a short story. 6. Editing and publishing your story. IntroductionTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusion

4. PROCESS 1. Earn your Literary Appreciation Badge: a.Read “Arthur Writes a Story” and discuss it with three friends b.At the game center get a copy of “Author’s Game” and play with three friends. Thanks to Dr Susan Tancock Dr Susan Tancock c.Read about Marc Brown and what inspires him to write.Marc Brown d.Share with your group three things that inspire you to write 2. Become a Writing Process Scholar: a. Visit one of these websites about the writing process and share what you learn with your group  Six Traits of Writing Six Traits of Writing  How To: Write A Story using Writing Process StepsHow To: Write A Story using Writing Process Steps  The Power of Proofreading The Power of Proofreading b.Identify elements of a story. Select one of the following and summarize for group.  Characters Characters  Setting Setting  Plot Plot IntroductionTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusion

5. PROCESS-Continued 3. Put on Your Author’s Hat a.Brainstorm your story idea with your group. b.Create an “Author’s Hat” to wear when you are writing  Be creative. Take construction paper, scissors, glue and stapler, and make a hat.  Decorate the hat to illustrate your story idea. c. Use Microsoft word to write a rough draft of your story. d.Your group is now ready to become a “critique group”.  Each member of the group will read their story aloud.  The other members will give feedback on the story.  Ask one member of your group to read the story to check for spelling and grammar mistakes etc. You will return this favor for someone in your group.  Make corrections to your story based on group comments and spelling and grammar check. This is rough draft two  Give the second rough draft to your teacher to read. e.Get your story ready to publish:  Make any further corrections your teacher suggests.  Illustrate your story - Use clipart or scan and insert your own artwork.  Save your story in RTF format. Ask your teacher for help!

6. PROCESS-Continued 4. Become a Published Author: a.Your Own Book  Create your title page. Look at the title page in several books then use MS word to create your own.  Design your book cover. Take two pieces of cardstock paper and design a cover for your book.  Put your book together.  Donate it to our library. b.Publish your book online  Have your parents sign your permission form.  Select which site you want to publish your story and follow their guidelines c.Celebrate Your Accomplishment  Evaluate yourself and other group members – Student Rubric  Consider attending the Young Authors’ Conference.  Attend the Aspiring Authors Luncheon and receive your award.

7. RESOURCES Refer to these websites for help at any stage of the project: 1. The Writing Process a.Six Traits of WritingSix Traits of Writing b.The Power of ProofreadingThe Power of Proofreading c.How To: Write A Story using Writing Process StepsHow To: Write A Story using Writing Process Steps 2. Story Elements 1.SettingSetting 2.CharactersCharacters 3.PlotPlot 3. Online Publishing for Young Authors a.Kid AuthorsKid Authors b.CyberkidsCyberkids c.Kids Online MagazineKids Online Magazine IntroductionTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusion

8. EVALUATION: IntroductionTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusion The rubric Unlocking the Author in You rubric on the next slide will be used to evaluate you by your group and your teacher.

9. Name: _____________ Teacher: _____________ Date: _____________ Title of Story: _____________ CriteriaPoints 1234 The student will participate in learning activities. The student does not participate. Wastes his or her time. Student participates on a limited basis. Has trouble with activities Student is an active participant in learning activities Student shows leadership in learning activities. The student will participate in critique and editing group. The student does not participate. Wastes group time or is disruptive or rude. Student participates but relies heavily on group members Student is a active member of group. Student is an active member and shows group leadership. Student will create one short story Student fails to compete a short story. Student creates a short story, but has difficulty with editing and revision. Student creates a short story with a little assistance with editing. Student is able to write a story and shows ability to self edit. Assists others. Student will successfully publish story online and in class. Student fails to publish a short story. Relies on teacher or group members to publish story. Student successfully publishes story online. Student publishes a great story and is able to assist others. Total

10. CONCLUSION Congratulations! You’re a published Author. I hope many of you have been inspired to pursue a writing career. We’ll be looking for you on the Best Seller List in the future. IntroductionTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusion

11. FOR THE TEACHER 1. Use the writing process with assistance when composing different forms of written expression. 2. Monitor the writing process.  Know and apply principles of grammar and usage in writing, speaking, and presenting and apply mechanics in writing 4. Use a variety of media and technology resources to create and communicate knowledge products across the curriculum.  Use the Internet to locate information. IntroductionTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusion

12. Arthur Writes a Story Game IntroductionTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusion

13. Questions for Game Questions:  Who is the main character in the story?  Where does the story start?  What is the assignment given to Arthur?  What is Arthur's story first about?  What makes Arthur change his story the first time?  What is the first change Arthur makes to his story?  How does Arthur change the story a second time?  What is the suggestion Brain gives Arthur on his story?  Who said they were going to put jokes in their story?  At the Sugar Bowl, Arthur hears a suggestion. What is it?

14. Questions for Game Continued:  What did Arthur add to his song?  In the story, Arthur tries his song on some people. Who are these people?  What does Arthur's family think of the story?  What happens when Arthur is done with his song and dance?  Did Arthur's story really happen? How do you know?  What was the final change to Arthur's story?  What was Arthur told to do with his story when he was done?  How would you decide what to write a story about?  If you heard what someone else was writing about, would you change your story to be more like their story? Why or why not?  If you were Arthur, would you have changed your story as many times as he did? Why or why not?