Narrative Writing

"I don't know what to write" - six words that are inevitable each year as you manage Writer's Workshop. There is always that one student who sits and looks at you or spends the entire time drawing and doodling. The reasoning?  "I don't know what to write!" 

As I was cleaning out the files on my desktop, I ran across a resource I had created while still teaching to help students generate new ideas. I believe in the use of mentor texts to generate unique ideas and introduce students to new structures. This resource includes the mentor texts I typically used along with anchors to brainstorm writing ideas. 

Here's how I used this in the classroom:

While launching Writer's Workshop I would post a new anchor (posted below) and ask the class the question posted. (Example: Can you think of a time you had a visitor?)

After a short turn and talk session I would read the mentor text I chose to go with this topic. In this example:

When we finished reading the story, sometimes not the same day, we would turn and talk and share about a personal experience. I would then call for volunteers to share what their partner said and we would add ideas to the anchor. Together we would hang the chart up in the classroom so they had it for future ideas. 

* I always left 1-2 spots for later on in the year. It's a great way to keep these interactive all year. 

 You can purchase that resource here.