Definition: Writing Extensions are those writing lessons inspired by picture books. Ranging from the simple to complex, writing skills which can be examined and practiced via picture books include:
- writing cohesive sentences (using correct punctuation, capitalization, and mechanics);
- combining shorter sentences in order to eliminate redundancy and increase interest;
- parsing longer sentences in order to increase pattern, suspense, or interest;
- creating sentence variety through varied length and word order;
- using quotation marks to create dialogue;
- writing paragraphs containing a topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing sentence;
- using transition words and phrases;
- writing for a purpose;
- writing for an audience;
- writing according to a given genre;
- responding to literature through a personal response;
- responding to a prompt;
- describing using figurative language;
- creating pieces of work which are focused, organized, and elaborated;
- refining narrative writing skills;
- developing expository writing skills; and
- revising and editing pieces of writing.
Recommended Picture Books:
See the List of Picture Books Sorted by Focused Reading Skills
Lopez, Susana, The Best Family in the World (see lesson plan and printable activity) The Best Family in the World allows students to imagine many different families in amusing ways.
Sussman, Michael, Otto Grows Down (see lesson plan and printable activity) Otto Grows Down is a wonderful model to inspire students to write their own What If? stories and poems.
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Recommended Links to Lessons, Games, Articles, and Extensions:
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So What's Your Point? discusses using picture books to teach persuasive writing, a writing form often assessed on standardized tests. Also be sure to check out As Seen on TV: Media Messages Unmasked, a blog post featuring books and sites which discuss how advertising uses many techniques to persuade consumers.
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ReadWriteThink offers this very cool interactive writing tool to help students prewrite a persuasive essay.
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Several writing styles are addressed here, accompanied by teaching suggestions, printables, and interactive activities..
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This post features suggestions on helping students elaborate in their writing by filling in details. |
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This site features cool ways to make books with children, which would certainly inspire them to write more.
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A wiki which provides an ever-growing list of books to use as models for the Six Traits of writing.
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A number of sites where children are encouraged to write via comic formats.
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Series of lesson plans using picture books as writing models for Six Traits.
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Corbett Harrison's nice collection of Mentor Texts (aka, picture books used as writing models). |
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Great site for checking out beautiful language from novels and picture books. |
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About two dozen very cool interactive writing tools to get even the most reluctant students writing. |
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Easy and fun templates for creating instant poetry. |
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