Write+With+Us+2-3

__Lesson 1: __ Hooking the Reader - Fishing Time! Materials: old fishing pole or materials to make one

Objective: Teacher and/or class creates fishing pole that can be used to fish for great leads.

Steps: Class or teacher creates classroom fishing pole. This can be something as simple as a stick and some string. Teacher models how strong beginnings "hook" the reader. Class act as fish when teacher fishes and bite if the hook is strong/don't bite if the hook is weak. Pole remains in room all year for teacher and students to use. Tip: Teacher can model how picture books have strong hooks.

__Lesson 2: __ Paper Chain Characters Materials: 12x18 construction paper, art supplies

Objective: Students create a paper chain character that is described using the five senses.

Steps: Hold paper horizontally. Draw four lines 3 9/16" (or just eyeball it!) apart and fold paper accordion style along the lines as many times as desired. Have students draw the shape of the character on the folded paper. Make sure the hands and feet touch the folds. Cut areas around the body except for the hands and feet. Unfold the paper to reveal five characters in the paper chain. Students can label the front of each character using five senses description.   (See example) For a holiday theme, use attached gingerbread man template  and use in conjuction with a related text such as //Gingerbread Baby// by Jan Brett.   __Lesson 3: __ Tootsie Pop Endings  Materials: Tootsie Pop Template (and maybe real Tootsie Pops!)  Objective: Students will use the Tootsie Pop template to create a powerful ending to any story. *Remember, without a good ending the story falls flat. It is like a Tootsie Pop without the yummy center! All that work with no reward. Steps: Imagine you get to the center of a Tootsie Pop and it is empty. That's how a reader might feel if they get to the end of a story and your ending is missing or too short! Fill your Tootsie Pop up with a great ending! Don't Forget About Conventions! Watch This:

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Thinking of making a life-sized character? Check out this short video showing two classes at work from start to finish.

<span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Character Video

<span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Visit this site for free downloads of Six Traits Posters in Color!