My students and I are currently working on a class book. "A Day in the Life of Bubble Gum." On Monday, we worked together to brainstorm things that could happen to a piece of gum.We then created an outline for our book, each student choosing one page of the book to write.
On Wednesday, I read the story to the class page by page, we "tweaked" the story as needed to have it all make sense. For the rest of the week the students and I worked to have them write their final copy.
This week I will send our final copy to Student Treasures. This company will publish one class book for free. Parents can order a copy of the book for themselves and if every parent signs a paper the company will send you a free copy of the book.
Interested in publishing a class book? Check out the company, and order your free kit. (Please note that I am not getting anything for telling you about this company, I just know how much my students are loving this project.)
Working on a class book has really helped my students stay motivated during writing time this week...and considering how hard it is to concentrate before a break, I'd count it as a huge success.
What do you do to motivate your students to write? How do you help keep your students on task when vacation is on the horizon?
I love your writing prompt. Thanks for the website info!!
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of A Day in the LIfe of Bubble Gum, Bethany. I can only imagine that all of the students were definitely into this topic for a book. Knowing my students, they'd be all over it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I'm going to try this out in my room for sure!
Alison
Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'
I'm sure your kids are having loads of fun with that writing assignment! We are doing Student Treasures right now too, but I'm wishing I had been wiser like you and done the class book. We are doing the individual books, and it always takes longer than I want to spend. They are beautiful when they are done though, and the kids love them!
ReplyDeleteStephanie
Forever in Fifth Grade
Love the gum idea!!!! I've got to try that.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and commenting on my blog. :)
This is a great idea for a class book! If you ever need a good read aloud for a point of view activity like this, you can check out A Day in the Life of Murphy. The book tells a story about a day from a dog's point of view. Very fun read!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of the weekend!
Mary
Fit to be fourth
What a creative prompt! I will have to use that one! I make class book, but not professionally like you! :) I laminate their writing and then bind them together. It's such a great keepsake for your class and definitely gives them motivation to write! I hope Monday goes better for your conferences friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and linking up!
Joanne
Head Over Heels For Teaching
I really like this writing prompt and the idea for a class book! I've not tried Student Treasures but have read several blog posts about them. I use Storybird, an online book creation website. I think I'm going to try a class book project here with my fifth grade class. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this resource so thank you!
ReplyDeleteWe finished conferences this week too! Those late nights are killers, aren't they?
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Jennifer
Mrs. Laffin's Laughings