I've had my students complete the
same story starter for years when Thanksgiving rolls around...What are you most
thankful for? And it seems I always get the same responses...
"I am thankful for my
friends, my school, and my video games."
That was basically the gist of
their writing pieces...ugh!
I wanted them to get deeper, more
specific, and use great word choice-and year after year, I taught them about
juicy words, asked them to tell specific things they were thankful for and
why. And, year after year I still got the same type of responses from the
students. Then...
The FUNNY FAMILY pictures ended
the boring and lifeless Thanksgiving writing pieces.
I'm Thankful for My Funny Family
Writing
How to get a great Thanksgiving
writing piece started:
First, ask each child to bring in
a family photo. If a child doesn't bring in a photo, simply take one with
their friends in class and use the Thankful for My Funny Friends writing
topic. Enlarge it on the copy machine (make sure it is set to photo).
I enlarge a 4x6 photo 180%. Then, give them their photo and have
them go crazy with fun foam, chenille sticks, puff balls, fabric-any odds and
ends I can find in your bin of art supplies. You can even ask
parents for donations of scraps since many of them have little things like this
around the house (let them know you are just looking for scraps, nothing needs
to be bought new).
Next, the
students complete a graphic organizer and writing piece on why they love their
funny family. They often include funny nicknames their parents call them,
funny stories they share, or things their brothers and sisters do. Then,
when their final writing pieces are done, invite their families in and have
each child read them to the group and be prepared for lots of laughter!!
Interested in the file?
Find the file here on Teachers Pay Teachers. Includes a
Thanksgiving version (I'm Thankful for My Funny Family/Friends) and one to
use any time of the year (I'm Grateful for My Funny Family/Friends).
The first 2 people to leave a comment telling me why they're thankful for their funny family or friends will receive the file for free! Be sure to leave your email address in your comment!!
The first 2 people to leave a comment telling me why they're thankful for their funny family or friends will receive the file for free! Be sure to leave your email address in your comment!!
What a cute idea to get the writing juices flowing! I am so fortunate to have "funny friends/family" to do life with. They make everyday more interesting and those not so great days more bearable. So blessed! Thanks!
ReplyDeletetcellis@whitfield.k12.ga.us
We did this last year...so FUN! The kids LOVED it and the families as well! Since I already have this file..give it to the next person that comments!
ReplyDelete:) Carmen
I love this! I too always get the same boring writings. What a great way to encourage voice and word choice!
ReplyDeleteThis is great! Thanks for sharing! I know I'm not the first 2 but I am thankful that my funny family and friends make each day that much more exciting! I never know what crazy story or adventure we will go on, but they keep me smiling every day!
ReplyDeleteI love this time of the year! Can't wait to see what my students will be writing about! =)
Hi, Christy! I love your comment! If you have a minute, could you send me a quick email at nicole@simplysweetlessons.com? I'd be happy to send you the file :)
DeleteThanks Nicole! That's so sweet! I sent you an email =)
ReplyDelete