This week the students focused on "the heart of their stories" and the drafting stage of the Writing Process. To help the students create a framework for their stories, the students have chosen and reflected on a quotation from the person they are researching and writing about. Then the third graders used a template to start writing their story. We will continue to come back to the person's quotation to ensure the students' stories are getting to the "heart of the matter."

Ask your child about what he/she has learned about their inspiring person.

This week, students analyzed the mentor text, I am Abraham Lincoln, by Brad Meltzer. This book is the exemplar for the students as they write their own informational text about an admirable person of their choice.

Topics we are focused on include:

• Word choice
• Specific, meaningful details that reveal important characteristics about the person

The inspiring people the students are researching and writing about include: the Wright Brothers, family members, J.K. Rowling, Betsy Ross, Rudy Ruettiger, Helen Keller, Russell Wilson, Doug Baldwin, Mother Teresa, Roberto Clemente, and Sacagawea. I love the mix the students are interested in and can't wait to hear the stories!

Over the next week, I encourage the students to continue their reading and researching. 

This week marked the beginning of the second session of ALO. The third grade unit is an inquiry-based informational writing unit.  Students will write their own informational text focusing on ideas and word choice.

On Monday and Thursday this week, students examined various informational books and analyzed structure and word choice. They listened to the mentor text, I am Abraham Lincoln (Meltzer) to gather ideas for their own informational text. Then, students brainstormed names of influential people that they are interested in writing about. Students should be choosing someone who is a positive example for others and who can teach us all a valuable lesson. 

Check out other books in the I am series by Brad Meltzer. Titles include Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, and Amelia Earhart to name a few.