"High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation." - Jack Kinder.
Sound like a familiar theme? If I believe nothing else about our youngest writers, it is this idea that their achievement is firmly, inexorably connected to our expectations! And this week in first grade, as we began the work of drafting our graphic narratives, it was beautifully evident.
Let me walk you through our process. And remember, this is after we have already written four stories, chosen one, and gone back and elaborated on the chosen piece in our sketchbooks!
To start, we listed verbs describing our movements and actions in the beginnings of our stories. Then, we added adjectives to describe how we were feeling as we moved. These first pictures are the ones I am using as a model for the students.
Sound like a familiar theme? If I believe nothing else about our youngest writers, it is this idea that their achievement is firmly, inexorably connected to our expectations! And this week in first grade, as we began the work of drafting our graphic narratives, it was beautifully evident.
Let me walk you through our process. And remember, this is after we have already written four stories, chosen one, and gone back and elaborated on the chosen piece in our sketchbooks!
To start, we listed verbs describing our movements and actions in the beginnings of our stories. Then, we added adjectives to describe how we were feeling as we moved. These first pictures are the ones I am using as a model for the students.
After we went through that process for the middles and ends of our stories, we had a list of verbs and adjectives from which to draft our story panels.
As writers, we then had to make decisions about how to use the word lists to tell our stories across six or so story panels. Some writers simply started with the first two words (1 verb and 1 adjective) to begin their stories; others chose more. The students learned that decision-making is part of being a writer and that being purposeful with those decisions helps make stories clearer to readers.
Next, we used a template to gather our thoughts and begin drafting. I wanted the writers to have a storyboard of sorts on which to record all of their thinking and planning relevant to individual story panels.
Next, we used a template to gather our thoughts and begin drafting. I wanted the writers to have a storyboard of sorts on which to record all of their thinking and planning relevant to individual story panels.
Finally, after we listed the action words, feeling descriptors, and wrote any supportive text via speech bubbles, we began to draft.
Eventually, my plan is to cut out the pictures and mount them on a black background with a white mat! It is going to look outrageous!!!!
Below is some of the art of this most amazing group of first grade graphic narrative authors!!! We have just begun the creative work of drawing our stories, and it is not without its challenges. But, just look at the composition of these story panels! Each panel represents an author's composing process - prewriting, sketching, writing, drafting, revising and represents the writing domains of idea, organization, word choice, voice, sentence fluency (through illustration).
Below is some of the art of this most amazing group of first grade graphic narrative authors!!! We have just begun the creative work of drawing our stories, and it is not without its challenges. But, just look at the composition of these story panels! Each panel represents an author's composing process - prewriting, sketching, writing, drafting, revising and represents the writing domains of idea, organization, word choice, voice, sentence fluency (through illustration).
We will continue this process through the middle and end of our narratives, drafting and revising as we go! And for every high expectation I have for all of these writers, I will also remember that they are first graders. I will remember that I want them to LOVE to make graphic "novels"! I will remember to respect whatever level of skill they bring to this work! And their achievement will equal my expectations.
Because, I know...
#allkidscanwrite
Because, I know...
#allkidscanwrite
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