Writing Wizards

The children are continuing to build stamina to write independently for 20 minutes each day.  This week I introduced a strategy called Act, Talk, Move in which the children learn about what their job as authors are during writing workshop.   For now, Acting responsibly during writing means opening up their yellow writing books promptly and drawing detailed illustrations to fit their head to heart stories.  Some are starting to label "me" in their illustrations as well as using names to identify other people in their writing topic.  A few students are catching on to beginning to write titles with random strings of letters.  Talking respectfully looks like keeping a quiet voice when asking for advice from a fellow author.  Moving responsibly looks like only getting up to get writing tools, a drink, or to use the bathroom.  Each day two students are chosen to share their work in front of their peers.  They love sharing their work!  The greatest part is that kids move kids.  Inevitably when one tries a new strategy about half the class will try the same strategy the next day to improve their writing.  It's like magic!