A Picture is worth a Thousand Words

[Michelle Peirce]

As an author begins to create his text, one of the important factors he considers is the viewpoint he will use to convey the story. A humdrum plot won’t kill a book, but poor handling of viewpoint will (Gardner, 2011).

As I delved deeper into the Common Core Standards, I noted that study of author's purpose and craft seem to have much more value in these rigorous standards than in the past state standards.

Therefore, I will share a demo lesson with the cohort that I have crafted in which we will consider how the use of varying viewpoints contributes to the development of a compelling story (Common Core State Standard RL.7.6). Moreover, we will practice using multiple viewpoints to enhance the quality of our own writing, building upon our idea development skills.

I recently used this lesson with 8th graders and had some interesting results!

As I was researching, I found the novel Steering the Craft: Exercises and Discussions on Story Writing for the Lone Navigator or the Mutinous Crew that explores various techniques in writing for all ages. I will share some of my findings from this book with our group.

[Michelle Peirce]

I forgot to add that I don't have a classroom this year and so I worked with some 8th graders at Dayton Intermediate School.

 

[Laurel Topken]

Michelle,

This sounds to be a very good presentation.  I look forward to seeing it.  Point of view and craft are essential aspects of writing that is often left behind.  These are things that affect all writing and something that all students should have a basic understanding of. 

 

Laurel