Write a Book to Change the World
Learning Sequence 4
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Introduction
This week the children start to plan the finer details of their story. They get to work out what will actually happen in their story and put some of the finer details into their mind before they start to produce their manuscript.
The week’s work is crucial when it comes to producing a story that is well sequenced and interesting at the same time.
This week is an exciting time because we’re going to start transferring our wonderful ideas onto paper. We’ve put in a lot of effort to prepare for this moment. However, before we begin writing, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the key events in our story.
In the next two weeks, we’re going to visualise and refine our story, aiming to make it the best it can be.
We’ll approach this in three thoughtful steps:
First, we’ll visualize our story, imagining the events and characters in our minds.
Then, we’ll share our story, turning our ideas into a real sequence.
Finally, we’ll get ready to start writing our manuscript next week.
Let’s creative a story we’ll be proud of!
Weekly Keywords
Introduce the spelling word list and choose from this list of tasks that can be repeated and expanded upon if necessary.
Copy the words into a spelling list/Vocabulary book for later reference.
Put each of the new words into a sentence and underline the new vocabulary in red pencil
Place the words in alphabetical order in a list.
Use a dictionary to define each of the words and place them into a vocabulary book.
Try to represent each of the words using a picture or a symbol and play the guessing game. (which image is matched to which word)
Write a paragraph containing all of the new vocabulary.
Make a vocabulary wall containing all of the new words.
Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for the words and create a synonym list.
This week, we’ve got a list of words that will be super helpful for our lessons. You might know some of these words already, but remember, practicing helps us get even better!
Here’s what to do:
Start by reading the words.
Then, try to explain what they mean in the simplest way you can
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We’ve done the first one for you as an example. You can write your definitions in your books and, if you like, draw a picture that goes with each word. Or, you can just work through the task card.
Let’s dive in and explore these words together, enhancing our vocabulary and having fun with it!
Read and Discuss - ' Weekly Warm-Up Activity '
Each week we will read several pages of ‘Are These Your Glasses?’ and discuss the things we can see and understand from the text and illustrations.
This activity will equip the students with the skills they need to write their own book, using this sample as their modelled example.
Let’s recap what happened last week in the book and then read together pages 14-17.
This week we are going to focus on the hidden parts of the story, or the inferential clues within the illustrations. This will allow you to use these kinds of skills when you begin to illustrate your book in the coming weeks.
Weekly Comprehension (Discussion)
This week the children will begin to look at the meaning and use of Inferential clues hidden within the text.
Inferential clues can be hidden within the words or illustrations and because of this, it is important that our students understand how they can use these to give more information to their readers without having to write more words.
NB – In the class, we have now entered the complicated part of the story. We can clearly see that there is a problem brewing. Will Sergio make it to his destination?
This is called a cliffhanger!
Discuss what happened last week in the book and together read pages 14-17. You may wish to recap the whole book if you like?
Take a look at the task card opposite and choose the correct words to complete the following sentences. Once you’ve answered these, ask your partner HOW you know this?
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The sky looked happy/sad on page 14.
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The group cared/didn’t care about Sergio.
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The journey ahead was a long/short one.
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Sergio was included/excluded.
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Sergio was determined/undetermined.
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Sergio gave up/kept going.
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The weather was favourable/unfavourable as he walked.
Watch and Discuss - Visualising your Story
When guiding your students to bring their imaginative ideas to life through storytelling, it’s essential to emphasize the importance of planning and organization. Encouraging the use of a timeline can greatly assist students in keeping their narrative focused and ensuring that no critical part of the story is overlooked.
Before they begin penning down their stories, urge them to outline the sequence of events from start to finish. This preliminary step is crucial for constructing a cohesive and engaging narrative that captures all the intended details and moments. Introduce them to the concept of a “Story Train,” where they can visually map out their story’s progression. This approach not only aids in structuring their thoughts but also makes the storytelling process more manageable and enjoyable.
Now, we’re at the exciting part where we get to take the amazing ideas from our minds and put them onto paper.
When writing a story, it’s common for authors to get a bit sidetracked and forget their original plans. That’s why we’re going to use a timeline. It’s a great tool to help us stay focused and make sure we don’t skip any important parts of our story.
Before we dive into writing our story’s words, it’s really important that we have a clear picture of what’s going to happen from the beginning to the end.
This way, we can make our story as good as it can be, without leaving out any exciting details or important moments. Let’s get our thoughts organized and start this journey with a clear path forward!
Watch the video and try to make your own version of the Story Train. There is a template below needed.
Story Guidleines - Important!!!
Please ensure that you meticulously review these guidelines before beginning the visualization activity in this course.
It’s essential for children to understand that content involving violence, sexual references, guns, killing, or any offensive images or language is strictly prohibited. Any books containing such content will not be accepted into the Upschool library.
Teachers and parents must read the following guidelines prior to allowing their students commence the writing process. – Before You Start Writing: A Checklist for Teachers
Keep a close eye on the children in your class to ensure these themes do not appear in their stories.
We thank you.
Since this story will be shared with readers around the world, it’s crucial to consider the type of content you include carefully.
This checklist will provide you with guidelines on what is appropriate for a children’s story. Please adhere to these rules meticulously before you move to the next section.
Keep in mind – violating any of the rules listed will result in your story not being published in the library, leading to wasted effort!
Story Guidelines - Important!!!
Please ensure that you meticulously review these guidelines before beginning the visualisation activity in this course.
It’s essential for children to understand that content involving violence, sexual references, guns, killing, or any offensive images or language is strictly prohibited. Any books containing such content will not be accepted into the Upschool library.
Teachers and parents must read the following guidelines prior to allowing their students commence the writing process. – Before You Start Writing: A Checklist for Teachers
Keep a close eye on the children in your class to ensure these themes do not appear in their stories.
We thank you.
Since this story will be shared with readers around the world, it’s crucial to consider the type of content you include carefully.
This checklist will provide you with guidelines on what is appropriate for a children’s story. Please adhere to these rules meticulously before you move to the next section.
Keep in mind – violating any of the rules listed will result in your story not being published in the library, leading to wasted effort!
Let’s Create - The Story Train
This week, children are encouraged to focus on visualizing their story. Importantly, they should use the ‘story train’ template to outline the sequence of events and introduce characters.
After completing this process, children may find it beneficial to share their sequence with a peer or yourself. This sharing will help them consolidate their understanding of what happens, when it happens, and with whom, before they begin writing next week.
Before we dive into the actual writing part, let’s take a moment to explore what will actually happen in your story and where it will occur.
Remembering the video we have just watched in the story visualizations, it is time for you to make your very own story train.
Download the template opposite and use it to create your very own story train just like the one in Gavin’s video.
Make sure that your story follows the guidelines above so that nobody gets hurt or upset when reading your story!
Let’s create something amazing!
Getting it Right - What’s Your Title?
This task is designed to cultivate students’ imaginative prowess and encourage teamwork. Teachers will guide students to observe a simple image, then collaboratively brainstorm and craft three-word titles that capture the essence of the potential story behind the image.
The activity emphasizes creativity, word choice, and the power of concise language to evoke curiosity. By participating, students learn to synthesize visual cues into compelling titles, fostering a deeper understanding of narrative engagement and the significance of teamwork in the creative process.
Crafting the perfect book title is a challenging task. It should be brief yet engaging, offering a hint about the story’s theme without revealing too much.
To prepare for next week’s manuscript writing activity, we will engage in a creative exercise. We’ll use a simple image to inspire three-word titles.
Please refer to the task card and collaborate to create memorable three-word titles for each image presented. The first example has been provided for you.
Thai should help you come up with your title in the coming weeks. Remember that it is OK if your title changes along the way!
Enjoy this creative challenge!
Closing Video With Gavin
Next week we will start to write our manuscript. This week you may want to spend as much time as possible finalising your ideas and making sure that you’re happy with your story before we start to write it. Well done everybody.
Ongoing Follow-Up Activities
Extension Activity - Buddy Program Week 4
This week the children will plan out the sequence of their story and start to write their manuscript.
They must guide the younger children in sequencing their stories and ordering the events correctly.
A major focus will be on the sentence structure and the syntax of the sentences to make sure that the story actually makes sense.
As Plato once said, “The object of education is to teach us to love what is beautiful.”
This week, you and your buddy are going to team up for a fun project! You’ll help them arrange the story events in the right order. Sometimes, finding the perfect words to talk about where the story happens or who is in it can be tricky. That’s where you come in to lead the way.
Remember, only lend a hand if they need it. Your main goal is to help them begin and guide them on how to express their ideas.
Before you meet with your buddy, double-check you’ve got everything you need.
Extension Activity #2 - Starting a Writer’s Club
A writer’s club will be a perfect opportunity for students to embark on a community outreach project to bring a collection of students together through persuasive text, emotive language and creative posters.
This will also allow the children to make significant progress on their manuscripts whilst collaborating and cross-checking each other’s work.
Now that you’ve decided to become an author, it may be a good idea to create an author’s club.
This may involve you gathering a group of like-minded writers to come together during the week, Maybe during recess, lunchtime or even after school at the weekend, to share ideas and collaborate in writing your manuscript.
A wonderful way to get your Writer’s Club up and running is to create posters and put them up around the school to advertise your new initiative.
You’ll find all the information you need to advertise your new Writer’s Club in the example poster opposite.
Take a Look!
