Monday, January 23, 2012

Author's Purpose

Today I had one of THOSE moments... it was a moment that reminded me why I love to teach, a moment that I will use to get me through the times that are a bit tougher to handle, a great moment where I feel like they *got* it!

We were discussing the three purposes an author can have for writing, making sure to apply these to books we read and stories we write. The students made a tree map to show the three purposes - Persuading, Informing and Entertaining (we use the acronym PIE to help remember these). After some class discussion, the students looked through old Scholastic book order forms. They found books that belonged in each category, cut the picture of the book and glued the picture onto their tree map. 

After some independent work time (which was SOOOO quiet!) they gathered in groups to share. No one complained about being in a group with "so-and-so"; they gathered together and found a quiet spot to share. And here's my moment... I heard the BEST discussions (they were even on topic - HA!), kind words to friends about the great job they did sharing, helpful students who reminded others about definitions, it was just great! 



After they shared, one student came up to me to tell me what a great job her team-members did!! I loved it; so I asked the class if anyone else wanted to share about fantastic things that happened in their group - and I heard some wonderful compliments to other students. It might seem little and unimportant, but I was just so proud :-) They got the lesson, they shared their work proudly with classmates, and they were kind and helpful to everyone!

We are planning a Math Parent Night for Wednesday... Lots of manipulatives made, and handouts created for parents... REALLY crossing my fingers on this one! Hopefully everything will go well and all of our RSVP'd parents come! 

*Amanda 

12 comments:

  1. I LOVE the idea of using old Scholastic book orders when teaching author's purpose! I mean LOVE it! :)
    Lisa
    Stories From Second

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  2. I love those days!!! :)

    Live Laugh and Love to Learn
    livelaughandlovetolearn@gmail.com

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  3. Thanks for the idea. You got me thinking for sure. Those extra book orders could also be used to sort fiction and nonfiction. Hmm, the possibilities.
    Tammy
    Forever in First

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    1. Great idea!! :) The kiddos were SO into it, I'll probably use the Scholastic orders again for something else!

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    2. Well, I've always wanted to do something with the extras and haven't known what. I hate just tossing them. It feels not very earth-friendly. You're definitely onto something. Let me know what else you come up with. (I'm pinning your idea.)

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  4. I have been looking for ways to use the left over orders. I was thinking for math. I have never thought of this idea so thank you! And Tammy's idea for using them to sort fiction and nonfiction is awesome too! Thanks ladies!
    Jessica

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  5. What a great idea! im looking forward to hearing about your Math Parent Night!

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  6. That's so nice. Some days make your heart feel good.
    And retelling it makes you tear up a little! :)
    And this is a great idea! I was thinking recently about what to have kids sort for author's purpose, and this is a good source.

    Thanks for following my blog! I'm your newest follower!

    Buzzing with Ms. B

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  7. We have a Math Family Fun Night every year. All the parents and kids come out and they have so much fun! I bet your kids will enjoy your Math night too. Have fun!

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  8. I love the idea for using old book orders for author's purpose! I have used them before to sort fiction/nonfiction but never thought of this. I will definitely be doing this activity the next time I teach author's purpose! Thanks!!

    Latricia
    Wild About Second Grade

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  9. I am using this idea on Friday. I can't wait to use it on Friday.

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