3.19 Using All You Know from Other Types of Writing to Make Your Arguments More Powerful

CONNECTION It is a Saturday in March and my friends are all smiling and laughing as they leave the high school after a long day’s musical rehearsal. I wave and watch for my parents’ car. Soon the building is empty except for the teacher and me. The teacher puts her hand on my shoulder. “I’ve got to head home now. I’m sure your parents will be here soon.” Her voice is doubtful but I nod and she leaves. I look at my watch. They were supposed to pick me up an hour ago. I read a book. I look at my watch again. It’s been two hours. I know they forgot. When will they remember? How long will I be waiting here in the lobby of the school on a Saturday? If only I had a cell phone to contact my parents and remind them, I wouldn’t be in this mess. Kids should have cell phones so that they can contact their parents to plan schedules, in case of emergencies, and to access educational resources.

CONNECTION Why do essayists include small moments?

TEACHING POINT Today I want to remind you that whenever you do one type of writing, you can still use everything you used from other types of writing to reach your audience.

TEACHING Small moments Invent or imagine a moment Find a true moment in your life or in someone else’s

TEACHING One reason that teachers should be allowed to bring well-behaved dogs into school is because the dogs can help children focus. For instance, at Pathfinder School, young Sadie finds her reading partner, Fletcher, an eight-year-old black Labrador. “Settle down,” Sadie says, “it’s time to read.” And Fletcher does. First, he waits for Sadie to choose her book. Then, he waits for Sadie to lean against him, Then, for the next hour, dog and child read together. “This story is sad,” Sadie says at one point, tears running down her cheeks. Fletcher licks her face. Sadie keeps reading. Fletcher helps her focus. With Fletcher as her partner, Sadie could read forever.

MIDWORKSHOP Look back at your previous writing. What were some things that made your small moments successful and interesting to read?

SHARE Tell a partner what you’ve worked on today.