Remember to Use Your Words

I think I say that exact statement everyday to one particular child. Today I found myself saying that to my entire class. However, it was not for the reason you are probably thinking. We started a new writing topic focusing on the 6+1 writing trait of Word Choice. I emphasized the importance is using your words to keep your reader engaged and for them to actually visualize what you are trying to express in words.

Once I got them started I sat at the back table to read a few of their most recent writing samples before individual conferences were to commence. Our previous topic was, "If you had 8 eyes and 8 legs what would you do"? Here are a few of my favorite samples that I would like to share with you.

Sample 1-I love the beginning and end of this one.
"If I had 8 eyes and 8 legs I would get web insurance. I would get it from Speico. Then at dusk I would go to town scaring people. I would mock them when they dive behind a trash can. I would repeat this when they killed a spider. In fact, I would only do that when they killed a spider. I would also explore Spider Cove and the Temple of Spider where the Golden Spider resides. "

Sample 2-I love that I can hear this child's voice in their writing.
"If I had 8 eyes and 8 legs I would be Spider-John. Which means... butt kick'n time! Boya! I would love it! I would also live in a web. Hey, I can sell my web. Web! Web for sale! Aaaaaaaaaah, lady with a purse! Freak."

Sample 3- Another sample of voice.
"If I had 8 eyes and 8 legs it would be a disaster! How would I wear shirts? What about pants? What about shorts? I would be able to see in all directions, which is pretty cool. But I would look sooooo ugly!"


I love getting the chance to read my student's writing. Seeing how they are able to manipulate their words to create these unique masterpieces. Talking to them about their thinking and how they form their thoughts on paper. Look how different they are? No one the same. I love it.