“What do good writer’s do?” 4th Grade September, 2014 Author’s Study “What do good writer’s do?” 4th Grade September, 2014
Patricia Polacco Illustrates Strong themes/morals Real life/realistic stories and problems Interesting title Uses good adjectives Many details Expresses her feelings http://www.patriciapolacco.com/author/index.html
Tomie dePaola Different locations/settings Writes fairy tales, folklore, and legends Stories based on the past Includes dialogue Different languages spoken in stories Illustrates (very detailed) Includes social issues Strong theme/morals Specific details Interesting adjectives to describe nouns Strong vocabulary Repeating characters Usually happy endings http://www.tomie.com/main.html
Important things writer’s do… 1. Clearly organize the story (clear beginning, middle, and end) 2. Focus on a small moment or event 3. “Hook” readers with a strong opening 4. Include sensory details 5. Use words that SHOW rather than TELL 6. Include thoughts and feelings
Eleven by Sandra Cisneros How does Cisneros organize her story (beginning, middle, end) What moment does Cisneros focus on? Describe the opening of Cisnero’s story. How does she grab the reader’s attention? Give 5 examples of sensory details used in “Eleven” (sights, sounds, smells, etc.) Give five examples of precise language in the story (words that SHOW rather than TELL) What are the author’s thoughts or feelings about her experience? How do you know?