Categories: 3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade | 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade | Art | ESL | Language Arts | Reading & Writing | Science
Estimated Time: 60+ minutes
Materials Needed: Post-it® Super Sticky Notes 4 x 6, Neon 4 Pads (4621-SSAN), Post-it Easel paper (colorful) to hold attention.
Materials Needed:
- Post-it® Super Sticky Notes 4 x 6
- Neon 4 Pads (4621-SSAN)
- Post-it Easel paper (colorful) to hold attention.
Description:
Go to the school library to obtain several examples of different leads from various novels. Write these leads on the Post-it® Easel paper. Review each type with the students, have them identify the different types of leads in the current novels they are currently reading. Write the leads on Post-it® Notes so they can match them to the leads on the larger anchor Post-it Easel paper. Send students back to their desks so that they can update a current piece of writing using one of the leads discussed in the focus lesson. Have several students share/compare their first lead with the second.
Then use the revised leads as a bulletin board activity. Create a large copy of a magnet and have students use copies of the shapes of items that a magnet attracts. For example, write one of the leads on a nail shaped piece of paper. Use a piece of yarn to emulate the magnetic force that would attract it from the magnet to the revised lead. Do this to only several of the writing pieces. The title of the bulletin board would be Magnet Leads.
Instructions:
Step 1: Go to the library and obtain several examples of interesting leads from varuous novels. Ralph Fletcher's writing lessons(fiction/nonfiction) has examples of the different types in the appendix. Some examples could be beginning your writing with a question, or a problem, using descriptive scenery, dialogue or using a sound(s) crash. "Oooh, cried Megan". Write them on the large Post-it Easel paper.
Step 2: Have student sit around the Post-it Easel (which will later be used as an anchor paper) with something to lean on, small Post-it Notes, a writing utensil, and their current reading novel. Discuss the different types of leads. Allow students 10 minutes to re-read the beginning of their novel to write the type of lead their author used. Have them stick their examples next to the appropriate example. Review each answer, only do part of the class.
Step 3: Next students will go back to their seats to revise their existing leads from previous unpublished, writing pieces. Allow a suitable amount of time, then select a few to share. They should read their first lead, and then the second, revised lead. Even if the first lead was good, have student select a different style so that the different types can be practiced. Student will use the Post-it Easel paper to help them identify the writing style they choose the emulate.
Step 4: Teacher then creates a large magnet to place on bulletin board with the title "Magnet Leads". Students will use a replica of iron shape papers that would be attracted to magnets, to write their "Magnetic Leads" on. Examples may be nail shape paper, or a refrigerator shaped paper! Post the leads on the bulletin board. Use yarn to represent the unseen magnetic force that attracts the lead to the magnet. Title it "Magnetic Leads" Use this idea with the appropriate age level (3-6). Stick the Post-it Easel up for an anchor paper for other writing assignments.
Afterwards:
Objective: Creating strong leads. Changing leads like "Once upon a time" or "One day" to a more alluring beginning.
