Write With Me

While preparing for the writing portion of the standardized test (iLEAP for my third graders), we completed a week-long adventure in writing that we called Safari Camp Write Along!  We used the Safari theme because I always ask them, "How do you eat an elephant?" and they reply, "One bite at a time."  The analogy is for anything big going on that might seem overwhelming, like a ten page test, or writing an essay.  You attack it one step or one question at a time.  I use the book Seven Blind Mice to introduce and reinforce this idea.
With that in mind, we looked at the different components of writing each day.  On Monday, we looked at titles, hooks, and endings (restated endings).  On Tuesday, we used the rubric that will be used to grade their writing and the students became the teacher and graded sample writings from other children provided on our state's Louisiana Believes website. By Wednesday, we were learning about ELABORATION, or where to slow our stories down, hover like a helicopter, to add details and descriptions.  This strategy can turn a great story into an excellent one!  When Thursday rolled around, we were ready for figurative langugae, or as we nicknamed it - SHAMPOPI. That stands for: similes, hyperboles, alliteration, metaphors, personification, onomatapeoia, paradox, and idioms.  These can be used in any part of writing to improve its readability.  Then, on Friday, we wrote.  Students used what they had learned to write some of their best stories ever.
Of course, like at all camps, we had a camp song.  I wrote a song that addresses all the parts of writing, to the tune of "Lean On Me," but we retitled it "Write With Me."  Enjoy the videos below that shows my two classes singing the song.
http://youtu.be/N0tf7NJwaKQ
http://youtu.be/v2Xx9QJVXrI
Also, in case you might want the words to the song...I am willing to share.

Write With Me

By Lisa Rodriguez

(to the tune of Lean On Me)

Sometimes when we write
We all have pain, we have to brainstorm
But if we are wise
We’ll make a plan that helps us go on.

Write with me, when you're not strong
And I'll help you plan, create a beginning
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need, a restated ending.

Please swallow your pride
Look at the rubric, do some revising
For, no one can write your story for you
That’s as mesmerizing.

Write with me, when you're not strong
And I'll help you plan, create a beginning
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need, a restated ending.

You just add elaboration, more details to show
We all need those details to write on
I just might have a story that you'd love to know
We all need those details to write on

Write with me, when you're not strong
And I'll help you plan, create a beginning
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need, a restated ending

Just write now
(Make a beginning)
Write now
(Start with a hook)

Just write now
(Make your three main points)
Write now
(Add some evidence)

Just write now
(Use a thesaurus)
Write now
(Try some fancy words)

Just write now
Make your ending strong.