1. “What do good writer’s do?” 4th Grade September, 2014
Author’s Study
“What do good writer’s do?”
4th Grade
September, 2014

2. Patricia Polacco Illustrates Strong themes/morals
Real life/realistic stories and problems
Interesting title
Uses good adjectives
Many details
Expresses her feelings

3. Tomie dePaola Different locations/settings
Writes fairy tales, folklore, and legends
Stories based on the past
Includes dialogue
Different languages spoken in stories
Illustrates (very detailed)
Includes social issues
Strong theme/morals
Specific details
Interesting adjectives to describe nouns
Strong vocabulary
Repeating characters
Usually happy endings

4. Important things writer’s do…
1. Clearly organize the story (clear beginning, middle, and end) 2. Focus on a small moment or event 3. “Hook” readers with a strong opening 4. Include sensory details 5. Use words that SHOW rather than TELL 6. Include thoughts and feelings

5. Eleven by Sandra Cisneros
How does Cisneros organize her story (beginning, middle, end) What moment does Cisneros focus on? Describe the opening of Cisnero’s story. How does she grab the reader’s attention? Give 5 examples of sensory details used in “Eleven” (sights, sounds, smells, etc.) Give five examples of precise language in the story (words that SHOW rather than TELL) What are the author’s thoughts or feelings about her experience? How do you know?